Police search for suspects in Morgan Park racial vandalism incidents

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Police are investigating at least two cases of vandalism in the Morgan Park neighborhood that involved racist graffiti.

The first incident happened early Friday morning near 108th and South Hermosa.

The second happened early Saturday morning a short distance away at 110th and Esmond.

Cheryl James and some of her family and friends spent Sunday morning trying to remove paint from her SUV and garage door after several vehicles and garages were tagged with racist graffiti, in what some residents call a hate crime.

"I was here since 1971 so I have experienced racism in this neighborhood but not in 2014," she said. "I did not expect anything like this."

Police say it appears the vandalism happened sometime between 10 Friday night and early Saturday morning. Residents say it's not the first such incident.

Overnight Thursday, several blocks away someone also used blue spray paint to write derogatory words on cars and property of at least three homeowners there.

Masha Eaglin was one of them and she is concerned that the vandals could come back.

"We're still without lights in our alley...near the high school," she said.

Owners of the vandalized property are outraged and have expressed frustration over the police response to the incidents.

"I'm hearing that residents have gone to the police department and not been able to file reports. We want that not to be a problem," said Rev. Erwin Lee, Morgan Park Church of God.

Chicago Police officials say several residents have already filed police reports. Authorities have not confirmed if security cameras at nearby high school captured the crime.

As expected some residents remain on edge so police are patrolling but no arrests have been made.