Hours after police released surveillance footage of a suspect possibly responsible for about 80 tire slashings in the area, nine more tires were slashed in the Oxford Circle section of Northeast Philadelphia.
A woman called police around 1:30 a.m. this morning to report the newest rash of vandalism. “I’m a pastor – I just go to work, church and home,” said 12-year resident Deslour Des Coreus-Roland, who parked her minivan on the block at 10 p.m. and awoke to find its front tire deflated. “I’m shocked, I’m just stuck here. I can’t even go to church.”
Coreus-Roland said she can’t afford to fix the tire and doesn’t know what she will do when police release her vehicle.
“I never thought it would happen in this neighborhood,” said Rosalind Contreras, whose sister’s car was hit while she was visiting from New Jersey. She said her sister recently spent $800 on a full set of new tires. “For something like this to happen, especially to someone coming from a different state, it’s embarrassing and frustrating.”
Police are still investigating if this new incident is related to the tire slashings in Mayfair that have been plaguing residents since October.
Earlier Saturday, police released surveillance video that shows a man at Cottman and Rowland avenues who appears to slash the tire of a parked car and walk away. It was of little consolation to residents today.
“It’s great they released something, but it wasn’t clear enough,” Contreras said of the video. “I don’t think they will positively identify the person unless a friend or family member comes forward.”
The suspect in the video is described as a white male in his late teens to early 20s with short hair wearing a blue or black hoodie that zippers up the front, blue jeans and white sneakers.
Police are offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to the alleged vandal’s arrest. Those who know anything are asked to call 215-686-TIPS (8477), submit an anonymous tip online or to contact the Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or 215-686-3154.
