Jan 14, 2008 6:48 pm US/Central
LULAC Helps Family Targeted By Vandals
Local Family Blames Racism For Recent Attacks
TARRANT COUNTY (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A North Texas family is staying with relatives after a series of attacks.
The family said they believe the attacks were motivated by racism.
While they are away, the local leader of the League of United Latin American Citizens said volunteers will keep an eye out on the house.
"We have a large family, and if they know we're watching, I think that maybe the family will be safer," said Lico Reyes, president of the local LULAC chapter.
LULAC also wants to hold a vigil for the family and raise money to help them repair their property damage.
"This house means a lot to me, but not no more," said Sofia Bara. "It's sad that I have to leave."
Bara and her family have only lived in the home for three months. The house is located on the 4700 block of Bucking Bronco Drive in Tarrant County.
"I want to know why they doing this to us, 'cause we never hurt nobody," she said.
The destruction started a week ago and has continued every night since.
Rocks have been thrown at the house. The family's trampoline was destroyed.
Someone painted racial slurs and a swastika on their car. The words "die" and "white power" were also written on it.
"Then they poured gasoline in front of my house and that's a very scary thing," Bara said.
"We're okay during the day," said Rebecca Garza, Bara's daughter. "Here it comes night time we know something's going to happen."
On Wednesday, Bara's son-in-law chased a man who was approaching their home.
"Somebody got out of there and hit me with a stick or rock or something. They poured gas on me when I turned around," said Joe Garza.
Saturday night, Bara said someone tried to break into her 10-year-old granddaughter's bedroom window.
"My granddaughter doesn't have a life no more. She missed three days of school. She doesn't want to eat," said Bara.
She says she doesn't hate the people doing this, but she wants them to stop.
"I was praying for them," said Bara. "I was praying for them."
So far, the vandals have managed to avoid the surveillance cameras.
The family is hoping that anybody who knows who the suspects are will call the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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