Swastikas Painted On Interracial Couple's Home

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH — A Middleburg Heights couple said they have been the targets of hate crimes for years, including rampant vandalism at their house where swastikas have been painted on the exterior. Yet, police said the couple have been less than cooperative with investigators.

Carlos and Dawn Berry told cleveland.com that harassment started almost as soon as the couple moved to Middleburg Heights seven years ago. The couple said vandals have spray painted swastikas, racial slurs and other racist language on their home.

The family's Ford Expedition was reportedly set on fire last week. Dead animals have been left on the interracial couple's property. There have been violent break-ins and a cross made of sticks was burnt in the front lawn.

"We've been trying to get help since this started and nobody would assist," Carlos Berry told WKYC.

Why aren't the police stepping in? Middleburg Heights Police Chief Ed Tomba believes there are a lot of question marks surrounding these incidents. He said the family won't provide DNA samples or turn over security footage. The Berrys said vandals have destroyed their security cameras.

Carlos said he doesn't trust the Middleburg Heights Police with his family's DNA, arguing that police may place his family's fingerprints at a crime scene. Dawn told WKYC that she believes police are following her son and pulling him over on an almost monthly basis.

"I think the family thinks there's a conspiracy, but there isn't," Tomba told cleveland.com. "We've had 32 calls for service there and we've responded to everyone. We'd love to have them come down and we'd love to take statements and have a cooperative attitude both ways."

To read more about the Berry's home and the incidents that have taken place there, go to cleveland.com or WKYC.

Photo from Shutterstock