Family's pro-police truck totaled by vandals

A disabled veteran and his family say they're the victims of vandalism.

Someone spray painted hateful messages on their truck and destroyed the inside of it. They say it's because of their support for police.

“We heard about all the fallen officers for the month and [slain Deputy Darren] Goforth's funeral and Back the Blue Day, and we wanted to support that,” said 18-year-old Jason Lattin, who dreams of becoming a police officer.  

He and his family showed their support with blue ribbons on the fence of their Whitney home and on the family's white truck, with the saying "Police lives matter" on the back window.

“They need support so they can feel what they do, putting their lives on the line every day, is worth it,” said Scott Lattin, Jason’s father.

On Tuesday morning, the family found their truck had been vandalized, causing $5,000 worth of damage.

“They tore off our glove box,” said Jason. “They took our laptop, our scanner and ripped our seats.”

The family’s only form of transportation is totaled and covered in black spray paint with sayings of “Black lives matter,” obscenities about the police and #FYF.

 “F expletive your flag, your family, your feelings, your faith,” said Scott.  

“These residents are police supporters and they shouldn't be chastised,” said Whitney Police Officer Chris Chadwick.

Whitney police think it's the act of kids, which still troubles officers.

“It does,” said Chadwick. “Because this is where it starts. It starts out as spray paint on a truck, and then it could escalate.”

 “Engage me in a dialogue,” said Scott. “Don't destroy my stuff; it's the only truck we have and because of this, it’s totaled now…I firmly believe black lives matter, white lives matter, police lives matter. Yes, absolutely.”

The vandals still haven't been caught.

The family says insurance is helping with a rental car for a few days. While their claim check won't cover all repairs, even if they have to get a can of white spray paint, the plan is to get the truck going again, decorated with blue ribbons and the saying, “Police lives matter."

LINK: http://www.gofundme.com/p73ubj8c

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