CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx. — A Corpus Christi family feels violated after vandals came into their driveway and smashed the windshields of four cars, but their home security cameras may help police crack the case.
"I would like to see these kids found and arrested so that they learn that these are real people that you're hurting," homeowner Ricardo Ibarra said of the vandals.
Video from the early morning hours of July 20 in the 5900 block of South Oso Parkway shows two young men first trying to open the doors of the cars in Ibarra's driveway. They then climbed atop the cars and smashed out the windshields with their feet.
"I'm sure that these kids would be extremely angry if someone went to their home, broke their windshields, and vandalized their parents' cars," Ibarra said.
Ibarra posted his video on the Neighbors App that the doorbell camera company Ring operates which allows users to share security camera videos with other people in their community. Click here to find out more about it. He also gave the video to Corpus Christi Police.
"Obviously the more evidence we have, the better chance we have locating the suspects," CCPD Lt. Michael Pena said. "I'm not saying every time that we have video that we'll be able to contact [the suspects], but it definitely helps."
Ibarra has already gotten the windshields replace, but he says problems remain on his cars like missing pieces of decorative trim and sensors that now malfunction. He estimates that all added up the vandalism cost him around $4,000 in repair bills. But what's worse in his mind is the uncomfortable feeling the crime left with him and his family.
"I find both of my children looking at the cameras in the middle of the night," he said. "The other night the alarm system went off and everyone ran up in a panic. It's almost a nightmare to open up the garage door and just pray that there's nothing that has happened to our vehicles overnight."
CCPD says, if officers catch the vandals, they'll face criminal mischief charges that can range from a Class C Misdemeanor to a felony. If you recognize them from the video and pictures, call the police department at 361-888-TIPS. You can remain annonymous.
