by Katie Orlando

HUNTERSVILLE – Michael Garcia is ready to install surveillance cameras after his home was vandalized four times in two weeks.

Garcia said his home is being attacked with BB guns. He’s found the pellets around his broken windows.

The first incident at his Rainy Bend Drive home in the Tanners Creek neighborhood occurred around 10:30 p.m. June 5. After reporting the disturbance, Garcia was awakened again less than two hours later to a second incident. It happened again June 7 and again June 12, all late at night.

“My windows look like I’ve been living in an urban battleground,” Garcia said.

Garcia is working with Huntersville police and his homeowners association. He suspects teenagers in nearby rental homes. Huntersville police are following up on his suspicions, Deputy Chief Michael Kee said.

“There was a kid on a bike seen in the area,” Kee said. “Officers did a neighborhood investigation that is continuing. They’re following up on what he’s provided, suspicion-wise.”

Garcia has lived in his Tanners Creek home for nine years. He believes problems stem from renters in the neighborhood and absentee landlords.

“We did not have any problem until renters moved in,” Garcia said.

He’s been working with HOA President Scott Humphries to track down landlords, but Garcia said letters keep getting returned. Neighbors are also complaining of a lack of maintenance in the houses over the last two years.

“Huntersville police have been on it, but they’re limited in what they can do unless they catch someone,” Garcia said. “They can’t provide 24-hour surveillance.”

So he leaves his lights on all night and is considering taking his own surveillance measures.

“As a homeowner, as a father and as a provider for my family,” Garcia said, “I have a 13-year-old daughter, and I refuse to let her be in my house intimidated.”

Want to help?

Anyone with information regarding this vandalism or other incidents in the area should call Huntersville police at 704-464-5400.