Suspect Arrested for Vandalizing Cars with Racial Messages in Katy Neighborhood

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

June 15, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark and Jennifer Miko

A suspect has been arrested for spray painting vehicles in Katy with racial slurs and graphic drawings earlier this month. On June 13, Dominic Reale, 18, was charged with Felony Graffiti and could face additional Hate Crime related charges.

The Fort Bend Country Sheriff's Office reported receiving about a dozen calls on June 3 starting around 5:45 a.m., about criminal mischief in the 6900-7000 blocks of Pembrough Lane and Glen Rosa Drive, in Katy.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered about 16 vehicles spray painted with racial slurs, graphic drawings and the phrase “Be Gone.” After reviewing surveillance video from area homes, detectives were able to identify a suspect.

Suspect Charged

A statement released by the FBCSO said Dominic Reale was charged with Felony Graffiti and could also face Hate Crime-related charges. His bond has been set at $5,000. The FBCSO said Reale was already in the Fort Bend County Jail for an unrelated assault charge.

“If this individual thought he would get away with spreading hate in Fort Bend County, he was wrong,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “I am proud of the diverse community we serve and will never tolerate this kind of behavior.”

Unusual Incident for this Area

According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, the racial remarks “N-Word” and “Begone" were spray-painted on one driveway.

“This doesn’t happen here,” says Major Chad Norvell with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. “Fort Bend has a very diverse community that we embrace."

Charges Depend on Damage Amounts and Hate Crime

In Texas, vandalism is a misdemeanor unless the damage exceeds $150,000, then the crime becomes a second-degree felony. If damages are greater that $300,000 the crime is classified as a first-degree felony. Also in this case, the actions could be considered a hate crime potentially adding to the charges.