Suspect sought after homes, cars vandalized with obscenities in Port Richmond

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A handful of homes and vehicles were vandalized in Philadelphia's Port Richmond neighborhood early Sunday morning.

Now, residents are frustrated and left cleaning up a huge mess.

It happened just before 1 a.m. along the 2900 block of Edgemont Street and along some spots on Birch, Ann, and Toronto streets.

According to police, at least five homes and three cars were hit with the graffiti.

Surveillance footage from the area shows a suspect who police believe is behind the vandalism.

Video captured a suspect spray painting obscenities among other words and symbols along walls, windows, doors, and cars.

Neighbors say they had been outside and cleaning up the profanities since 6 a.m. Some told Action News the damage could cost hundreds of dollars to paint over.

"There's a time and place for stuff like this, maybe Graffiti Pier, but this is not the place at all. These are people's homes, where we live," said James Campbell.

He told Action News he'll have to spend significant amounts of cash to repaint the walls of his house.

Other residents say the nature of the graffiti was the worst part of the vandalism.

"It's a disgrace, makes the neighborhood look bad," said Edward Rostucher.

"It's gross and disgusting that someone can be that low. Especially if you're older, you're that low to disgrace someone's property," said Angela Wise, a local resident. "Why should we have to suffer for someone else's offense?"

Many also said that destroying other people's property in this way was a completely avoidable crime.

"Think about what you're doing. It's people's property -- kids and everything. It's not just doing one thing, it's all the damage all the way down the street. It wasn't necessary. My question is why?" added Thomas Sheridan, another resident.

People say they've been hanging flyers around the neighborhood with the suspect's image to help police locate him.

"People are looking for you. You're not going to get away with it," warned Wise.

Authorities do not believe he lives in the Port Richmond neighborhood, however.

According to investigators, the suspect is believed to be 25 to 35 years old and has a short haircut, full beard, and tattoos on his neck and forearms.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the police.