Newark Police arrest suspect linked to string of tire slashings
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A suspect has been taken into custody in connection to a tire slashing spree in Newark, New Jersey.
Newark Police arrested 28-year-old Nathaniel Jackson on Friday, after as many as 30 cars had their tires slashed.
Dozens of cars and SUVs were hit. The first incidents took place during the overnight hours of August 19 in the 100 block of Mapes Avenue, but more were reported overnight Thursday in the 800 block of South 14th Street.
"My neighbor says they slashed my tires, along with 19 others on this block - that got their tires slashed," said victim Greg Middleton. "But that tire cost $250, just for one tire alone."
On 14th Street, the suspect punctured tires on the driver's side of the vehicle but only on one side of the block. Several of those vehicles are still parked on the street with flattened tires and residents are frustrated.
"Sitting outside all night in my car. And I will catch them. And I'll have my bat," said victim Kita Richardson.
Tires can cost hundreds of dollars to replace, and the timing is bad as kids are returning to school and money for many is tight.
"Kids are ready to go to school and now we can't get them to school. We have to walk them to school, catch a cab or Uber to school," Middleton said.
The crimes have took place in the south and central wards but residents want this costly prank to stop.
"Don't do this. We struggle around here. It's a struggle for the senior citizens and it's a struggle for the working people too," Middleton said.
Arresting officers recovered the weapon used to slash victims' tires.
Jackson now faces multiple charges of criminal mischief.
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