Reward for tire-slasher hiked
CONNELLSVILLE – A city businessman is increasing the reward to aid police in the apprehension of those vandalizing automobiles on the city’s South Side. City Police Chief Stephen Cooper said Wednesday that the unidentified benefactor will pay $1,500 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the vandals.
Over a three-day period in May and again in June, nearly 25 automobile owners had to replace tires that had been punctured.
Cooper speculated that whoever was damaging the tires was using a cordless drill or cordless screwdriver with a drill bit to make the small holes. The reported incidents took place along East Patterson and Cedar avenues, and Sycamore, Vine and South Pittsburgh streets. Police estimated the damage to all the vehicles at $3,000.
Cooper said police have received no recent reports of similar vandalism. “No one has stepped forward to let us know who was doing this, and the business owner would like it not to start again,” said Cooper of the $500 increase in the monetary award. “Hopefully, the added amount will encourage someone to come forward.”
Anyone with information should call police at 724-628-2501, extension 110.