Spray painting vandals hit cars in Forest Hill, UPDATE: Suspects caught on video

The criminals were busy last night.

June 24, 2016; 8:45 AM • by Richard Hayes

Update #1 — June 24, 2016; 8:41 AM

RPD released the following statement and picture on Thursday:

Richmond Police detectives need the public’s help to identify the suspects in the attached photo and video (can be seen on Forest Hill Neighborhood Facebook) who vandalized several vehicles in the Forest Hill neighborhood this week.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 22, 10 vehicles and a front door to a home were damaged by spray paint on West 43rd and West 46th streets.

Two males and a female can be seen in the video walking in the street and approaching a vehicle. The male in the rear of the group appears to be holding a can of spray paint.

Detectives ask anyone with any information about the identity of these vandals to call Third Precinct Officer Ward Hawkins at (804) 646-1940 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

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Original — June 22, 2016

David R. posted the following pictures and information about a vandalism spree in Forest Hill last night:

Last night, multiple vehicles were vandalized with pink spray paint. I was out this morning running and saw about a dozen cars that were hit. The vandals sprayed profanity and phrases like “black lives matter” and “I know what you did last summer”.The paper carrier had already called the police, and several officers were out taking pictures and leaving business cards. The streets seemed to mainly be Dunston, 42nd, and 43rd. If you have any tips or need to report an incident, the number on business card from police is 804-646-1211 (third precinct). This seems to have happened between midnight and 5:00 am

Bit of advice on one of the photos:

My truck got tagged a few years back, and the body / paint shop was able to remove the “art work” with some acetone and elbow grease. There was no degradation to the clear coat.

In the same thread there is a picture of another car hit on 43rd. Photo and information by Melissa J.