Part of Lynnwood duplex vandalized by teens, owner says

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — A Lynnwood duplex owner said his property was vandalized by several teens, who spray-painted profanity all over his garage door and parts of the home on Friday.

August Zitzka told KIRO 7 that the teens allegedly targeted the tenant’s daughter over a certain incident. The tenant’s car was also spray-painted on one side. He said what they did to his property was uncalled for.

“They used all sorts of swear words. It’s a hate crime in my opinion. It’s violent words that they put on the building and on her car. It’s horrible,” Zitzka said.

Jaydan Smith was leaving for work when he saw the teens in the act. He said he took a few moments to realize what was happening.

“But then I passed my mom’s car and got a whiff of spray paint. And in my peripheral I see blue. And I was like there ain’t no blue over there,” Smith said.

“And they all just froze mid … I’m talking like mid-writing, mid-drawing. The kid went ... the kid went … (acts out kid). And the kid was like (staring at him),” Smith said.

He said the teens quickly took off after. Shortly after that, the tenant came out of their home and saw what was written all over the home and vehicle.

“But then she saw her car and got very, very angry,” Smith said.

“My tenant’s car was obliterated on one entire side of her vehicle,” Zitzka said.

KIRO 7 spoke with the tenant over the phone to gather more details. She said she does have insurance on the vehicle, but it’s still going to be expensive to fix the paint.

Zitzka said it’s also going to be expensive to remove the paint from the garage and sides of the home.

“It’s very upsetting because there was thousands of dollars of damage done to the structure. There’s vinyl siding where the paint won’t come off and the siding has to be replaced,” Zitzka said.

The incident was reported to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, which said the teens could face charges of vandalism — a misdemeanor in the state of Washington.

“I think they need to learn what the consequences are of their actions. Apparently, they don’t understand there are consequences for their behaviors,” Zitzka said.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing.

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