Jan 20, 2008 9:48 pm US/Central
Terrorized Family Calls Vigil For Peace Comforting
TARRANT COUNTY (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A little blue car has become a target and symbol of the attacks against the Hispanic family who owns it.
The car was vandalized earlier this month. Racial slurs and a swastika cover the vehicle. The family says the rocks have been thrown at their home and other damage has been caused to their property.
Homeowner Sophia Bara lives with her husband and 10-year-old granddaughter. The elderly coupled said they had planned on retiring in the neighborhood on the 4700 block of Bucking Bronco Drive in Tarrant County.
But now, Bara says, "We have not slept for days."
The harassment continued Sunday morning around 6 a.m. The family's surveillance video captured someone turning the headlights of the defaced blue car on and off for half an hour.
Family members went outside to investigate, but found nothing. When they went back inside the house, the car started to roll down the driveway.
The family says a law enforcement vehicle passed by the house when the blue car's lights were on, but no one stopped.
"It's very frustrating, very upsetting, especially for my parents," said Rebecca Bara, the daughter of the homeowners. "I don't live here. I've just been here with my parents so they're not alone."
Sunday night, the Hispanic group LULAC organized a peace vigil for the family. They recalled the efforts of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Junior.
"That scar is there. The only way we can help to make it whole -- for Grandma and Grandpa, Baby, Mom and Dad -- is to be there for them," said Lico Reyes, LULAC.
The family said they were comforted by the gathering.
However, after the gathering, someone threw rocks at the house. Police believe it could be from a high-powered sling shot, but aren't positive.
The sheriff's department continues to investigate.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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