NEDERLAND, Texas — Nederland Police are investigating after residents awoke Sunday morning to swastikas and racial slurs spray painted around the city.
Swastikas were spray painted on a stop sign on Canal Street, on a car near Nederland High School, on a house on Helena Avenue as well as racial slurs on the Setzer Hardware store on Boston Avenue, according to Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter.
"The police of Nederland asked me if I knew my house had been tagged, and I said no. At first I thought it had just been teepeed and I thought no big deal. But it was a bit deal," Melinda Benoit told 12News.
Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter said that city officials worked diligently to clean up the graffiti.
"We contacted the city, and they worked fast to remove those signs. We don't want our citizens to have to look at that. We are looking hard to collect surveillance footage to catch those responsible," said Chief Porter.
He went on to say that while the community was shocked by the wide spread acts, they would not let it divide them.
"While this heavily impacted citizens of the community it was their actions of solidarity that brought them together," he said.
Chief Porter tells 12News that they don't know who is responsible for spray paint but they will be checking for possible surveillance video to do an investigation.
"We are looking hard to collect surveillance footage to catch those responsible," Chief Porter told 12News.
The suspects or suspect could be charged with criminal mischief.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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