HOUSTON — Houston police are searching for a man accused of illegally dumping furniture and other items in a south side neighborhood, as residents say the problem continues to hurt property values and quality of life.
Authorities this week released video they say shows 30-year-old Anthony Vega unloading a truck filled with furniture and debris along Swingle Road.
Patrice Harris, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1971, said illegal dumping has become a persistent issue in recent years.
“The issue is the dumping,” Harris said, pointing to piles of discarded items that still line parts of her street.
She said repeated cleanup efforts have done little to stop the problem.
“I’ll call, you know, and have them come clean it up, clean it up, clean it up — and then they’ll just start back dumping again,” Harris said.
Residents say the dumping not only creates an eyesore but also impacts home values.
“It just makes the neighborhood go down,” Harris said. “It brings your neighborhood down as far as the value of the property and everything.”
According to Harris, the situation has worsened to the point that some people are dumping trash in broad daylight, even when families and children are nearby.
Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Vega and preventing further incidents. Harris said neighbors should remain vigilant and document suspicious activity.
“We need to all get together and look for him and take a picture of anyone who is dumping,” she said. “Take a picture of their car and stuff.”
Anyone with information about Vega’s whereabouts is urged to contact Houston police at 713-525-2728.
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