Joliet police investigating spate of racist graffiti

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) -- A Joliet family's home and property have been targeted repeatedly with racist graffiti, and police say messages spray painted at a nearby park are related to the incidents.

"I won't repeat what they said. It is pretty bad," the homeowner said in an exclusive interview with ABC7 Eyewitness News. He did not want to give his name after he awoke to find racist graffiti on his home and car targeting his 20-year-old daughter.

"That is some bold stuff. The fact that they approached the house not knowing anyone could come out at any moment or a neighbor could come out and catch them in the act," he said.

Overnight, just blocks away at a park, more messages of hate were directed at his daughter and minorities, including this warning of "whites only."

"They are telling us they hate anybody who isn't white," he said.

Neighbors said this graffiti has been popping up in and around the Old Renwick Trail subdivision for weeks.

"Down by our pier it said 'this is just the beginning' so we are hoping to end it right away," said Pat Czajkowski, vice president of the homeowners association.

"I have no clue who is doing it and why they are doing it. But this is not our community," neighborhood resident Abe Garza said.

Joliet police said they have leads on who might be responsible and why.

"Even if it is personal, they have taken into a public realm," Joliet Police Deputy Chief Edgar Gregory said.

"If we look at it more, possibly hate crime charges, depending on the state's attorney office," Joliet Police Deputy Chief Al Roechner said.

In the meantime, the father said he fears the vandals could act on their threats.

"Next, there is someone getting harmed. This is just the beginning. Eventually, they take it a step further until they get caught," he said.

The homeowner said he is thinking about getting security cameras in case it happens again. Police said they are beefing up patrols around the neighborhood and asking neighbors to keep an eye out for any suspicious persons or activity.