Suspected MS-13 tags have residents on edge

11:51 AM CDT on Friday, April 29, 2005

By Vicente Arenas / 11 News

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In a neighborhood that 11 News won't identify for security reasons, a number of people are saying their property and cars have been tagged by gang members who they believe may belong to MS-13.

KHOU-TV

Graffiti like this has some Houston residents concerned that MS-13 gang members are trying to send a message.

And the neighborhood wants action from police.

"I do have a real concern," says one resident who asked not be named.

The number 13, they say, seems to be popping up everywhere -- fences, signs, you name it. That is why they are asking for help.

"I came out on Sunday morning and saw that someone had marked up my truck. It's happened two times in less than a month."

Six cars have been tagged since last week.

The markings were similar. All the vehicles this man says belonged to Anglos whom he believes are being targeted through vandalism and messages.

"I do have a real concern. It's always been a real peaceful neighborhood until just the last year, I guess."

Growing graffiti here was the first surprise. The second came when he called police for help.

"And I called the police to have them come and investigate and got no response whatsoever," he says.

"An officer was at the scene in a handful of incidents as I stated and reports were filed with very specific information," says HPD's Lt. Robert Manzo.

The resident 11 News talked to says police showed up only after he contacted a council member and 11 News.

"We have contacted the captain who's responsible for this specific area and he's telling us he will be assigning some resources," says Lt. Manzo.

Police aren't sure how bad the gang problem is here. Graffiti can be cryptic or copycats trying to have fun.

But whatever the case, neighbors are hoping things quiet down soon.

People who live in the neighborhood are not sure if those responsible for the graffiti belong the MS-13 gang.

They just want police to find out.

In the meantime, police encourage people all over Houston to talk with officers at their nearest substation if they feel gang violence or graffiti is becoming a problem where they live.