Residents report repeated vandalism; mayor says police identified suspects within days

Three Coppell residents told the City Council on Feb. 11 that their family home has been the target of repeated harassment and vandalism, including door‑banging, racial slurs, thrown objects that later damaged the front door and tire slashing of two vehicles in 2022.

Shini Varghese said the incidents began in November and escalated on Feb. 1 when someone struck and later broke the family’s front door. “We are living in fear,” Varghese told the council, asking the city for help. Carol Voorhees, who said the family has now found matching security footage from other neighbors and that five individuals had been identified by police, urged the city to be proactive in preventing further incidents. Manoj Voorhees, who identified himself as Pastor Manoj Voorhees, asked the city to consider installing lights or cameras in the neighborhood.

Mayor Wes Mays responded to the remarks and to media inquiries, saying the city manager’s office and police acted quickly after the family’s report. Mays said officers had identified those involved and “resolved the case in less than two days,” and he praised the Coppell Police Department for its response. He said the department would enforce the law fairly and that “no one in Coppell should live in fear of violence or harassment.”

Council members present did not take formal action during the meeting. Residents in public comment suggested possible short‑term steps such as improved street lighting, targeted patrols, community education with Coppell Independent School District on harassment and vandalism, and the voluntary use of neighborhood camera footage to assist police investigations. The city manager previously indicated staff had opened an investigation and worked with police following the family’s initial complaint.

The residents who spoke listed their address as 834 Chalfont Place; the council accepted their public comments under the citizen‑appearance portion of the agenda.