Tire Slashing Spree Leaves 40 Cars Vandalized In Midwood, $1,000 Reward Offered
Police are searching for a man and a woman suspected of slashing dozens tires in Midwood over the weekend.
The slashing spree took place on December 14, 2014 between midnight and 2am, on the blocks between Quentin Road and Avenue S, from East 17th Street to Bedford Avenue, cops said.
Approximately 40 cars were vandalized, and now Councilman David Greenfield is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
“We must have zero tolerance for this rampant crime spree in our neighborhood. A single tire costs hundreds of dollars, not to mention the time and energy that must be expended to replace it,” said Greenfield in a statement. “That’s why I am offering this reward – this kind of behavior is outrageous and quite frankly it doesn’t go unnoticed that this happened in a predominantly Jewish community.”
Police say they are not currently looking at it as a bias crime.
The suspects, described by police as a white male and a white female, were captured on two separate security cameras. Detectives believe that the man observed slashing the tires is the same person walking with the female in the first video.
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Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website, or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577.
Update (1:35pm): Police verified that they have a suspect in custody. The name has not been released as an arrest is still pending.
Councilman Greenfield released this statement:
My deepest thanks to Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce, Captain Mark Magrone of Hate Crimes Task Force and Deputy Inspector Carlos Valdez of Brooklyn’s 61 precinct for their outstanding work along with their respective teams in quickly catching the alleged criminal who caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to Brooklyn residents’ vehicles. This quick arrest proves once again that we truly have NYPD’s finest serving our neighborhoods and that goes a long way in calming the nerves of the community. The message is very clear: New York City has zero tolerance for these quality of life crimes.Update (7:00pm): Police have arrested and charged Eduard Ivashcenko, 21, in relation to the crime.
Update (December 16, 12pm): Councilman Chaim Deutsch also praised the NYPD for the swift arrest:
I thank the 61st Precinct Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Carlos Valdez, for his leadership in apprehending a suspect in the mass tire-slashing incident that occurred yesterday. I am grateful to the 61 Precinct Detective Squad and the Hate Crimes Task Force for their swift work, and my colleagues in government, State Senator Simcha Felder and Assembly Member Helene Weinstein, for their support. I want to commend residents for providing the NYPD access to security footage that assisted the NYPD in tracking the suspect. This incident highlights the importance of reporting every crime to the police, and the value of police and community working together.
