KVOA

Posted: Nov 2, 2009 6:25 PM
Updated: Nov 2, 2009 9:13 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Two men are in custody after 6 buildings, including a church, were tagged with gang graffiti. 

"It happens all the time. They can paint this church over and over and they are going to keep doing it over and over," said one neighbor.

 The Gala by Grace Church was just painted in last month. Now a new paint job is needed to cover criminal street gang graffiti left Sunday night.

One neighbor, who didn't want to be identified because of fear of retaliation, says his mother was the one who called the police after seeing the suspects tagging buildings on their street.

"I grew up here. It wasn't this bad. Now you didn't see tagging I don't even know why they do it. I don't even think these guys live here," said the neighbor.

Nearby police also found two of the suspects, 18 year old Camilo Gonzalez, and 23 year old Eric Cavazo. There was also a 17 year old girl with them. 

Neighbors were shocked that a church was one of the buildings tagged.

"That's a church. They should at least respect it. Maybe get involved in other things, just don't write on the walls like that. They shouldn't do that. They should have more respect," said Jason York, a neighbor. 

As for the man whose mother called police he hopes this incident will encourage others to step forward and take care of their neighborhood.

"Even if you're scared or not, you have to call. It's like me. My mom called but I'm not on camera, you just see my shadow because they are going to come and do something to you regardless. This guy is saying this or that, but don't let that stop you. You have to take care of your neighborhood," said the neighbor. 

Since the suspects vandalized a church, they automatically face felony charges.