This weekend Denton Police say someone vandalized one of the force's cruisers, spray painting obscenities all over the car, slashing its tires and breaking its lights. The cruiser was empty and left by a busy roadway to discourage speeding, according to Shane Kizer with Denton Police.
"It's a busy area for students and it's a good way to keep it safe," Kizer said.
Denton Police posted photos of the damage on its Facebook page. By Sunday night there were over 5,000 shares. While the department wants to catch the culprits, Officer Kizer said it's especially hurtful given the event in recent months.
"You know the attacks in Dallas are still with us. We lost officers and to see this right now it's tough," Kizer said.
The people of Denton agree. Student Erin Ramsey says it's tiring seeing headlines about police and communities fighting one another.
"It's not us against them. It's all of us working for us," Ramsey said.
Officer Kizer said his department is saddened by the vandalism but will continue to work to improve community relationships. He said when officers make a connection with individuals it changes the tone.
"We're doing outreach, I want people to know us," Kizer said.
While the words on the patrol car are hurtful, he hopes they will spark new conversations and understanding in North Texas.
"We always lean on the positive over the negative," Kizer said.
If you have any information related to the vandalism, you're asked to call Denton Police.
