Vandal strikes amid parking battle in New Castle

NEW CASTLE, Del. (WPVI) -- Police are searching for the vandal who struck amid a fight over parking lots in the city of New Castle, Delaware.

The fight has hit a little too close to home for some officials.

That includes City Council President Linda Ratchford, who saw the results of the vandal's work when she stepped out her front door.

"Obviously someone had spray-painted it, and that made me concerned because that's a public alley," she said.

Down the alley there was more blue spray paint on shutters, hardware and freshly painted walls.

A short distance away, Councilwoman Valarie Leary discovered the same blue paint on her 147-year-old home.

She said that what bothers her most is that she likely knows the vandal.

"I have probably shaken hands or had a drink with person who did this. Although I don't know who they are, I probably know them," Leary said.

Both women were part of a 4-1 vote Monday night to change the process of how future decisions will be made concerning the expansion of parking places in the beautiful historic district.

It's a hot button issue, and a raucous divided crowd can be heard on the official audio of the meeting.

It's assumed someone unhappy with the vote used the paint.

"One person couldn't handle it, while everyone else is saying 'that's terrible.' No matter what they thought about my vote of the issue, they realize we are all neighbors," said Ratchford.

Resident Glenn Rill did not support the vote, but is disgusted by the vandal. He hopes that person will come forward and pay for the damage.

"I believe in redemption. I'd like to see person come forward say 'I lost control, I am sorry, I apologize," Rill said.

A police investigation into the vandalism continues.

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