RICHMOND, Va. -- Vandals spray painted more than 20 cars and homes early Wednesday morning near Forest Hill Park in South Richmond.
Most of the pink spray paint vandalism was reported along Dunston Avenue between 41st and 43rd streets.
Police told neighbors they believed a group of teenagers was responsible for the vandalism which likely occurred between midnight and 5 a.m.
One vehicle was even broken into and spray painted on the inside, neighbors reported.
Russell Griffen came home Wednesday morning to find his work van covered in pink spray paint with phrases like “Rapist, watch out run."
“Kind of hinting toward don’t get in the back of a van like kind of a rape-y vibe…so there was a rapist joke on there, which isn’t very funny,” Griffen said.
A body shop told him it will cost $600 to remove the paint. Thankfully, his work will cover it.
“It’s going to be a 24-hour process,” Griffen said.
The vandals also tagged William Ernst’s personal car.
“It’s incredibly annoying. It will be expensive,” Ernst said.
Ernst said he’s not confident the vandals will be caught.
“I don’t know if there is much hope to track down someone that would undertake this kind of act,” Ernst said.
“It made me think maybe we need year-round schools,” said Mary Godsey, who lives in neighborhood.
Richmond Police said damage of $1,000 or more can result in felony charges.
Police are asking anyone who might have seen something to contact Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
They’re also asking anyone who has not reported vandalism to their property yet to call the non-emergency number for Richmond Police.
Police also said there is a curfew for anyone under age 18 of 11 p.m., so if you see any kids out past 11 p.m. you should call the non-emergency number.
This is a developing story. Anyone with additional information can submit a news tip here.
