NORWALK — California Highway Patrol officers chased down and arrested two young men early Wednesday after they were spotted scrawling graffiti along the 605 Freeway, authorities said.

Manuel Martinez, 20, of Norwalk and Christian Vazquez, 18, of Artesia were booked on suspicion of vandalism, CHP officials said in a written statement.

Two CHP officers were patrolling about 1:30 a.m. on the 605 Freeway near Firestone Boulevard — an area frequently plagued by graffiti — when they spotted Martinez and Vazquez, officials said.

They men fled when they noticed the officers approaching, but were quickly captured on Firestone Boulevard, officials said.

According to sheriff’s booking records, Martinez was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail, while Vazquez was released Wednesday after posting $10,000 bail.