Dozens of tires slashed in West Philadelphia

Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Dozens of tires slashed in West Philadelphia
Dozens of tires slashed in West Philadelphia. John Rawlins reports during Action News at 4pm on March 19, 2019.

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have confirmed 47 cars had at least one tire slashed along a seven-block stretch of Media Street in West Philadelphia.

However, investigators say, that number could go higher as the investigation continues.

Captain Frank Milillo of Southwest detectives explained an early morning count on Tuesday indicated 71 cars had slashed tires. But when investigators later returned to take reports it seemed, he said, "some people had changed tires and went to work."

He urged those residents to contact detectives and make formal reports.

Milillo said police have located some video from about 1 a.m. in the 5700 block of Media Street.

Surveillance video shows two men walking westbound and they appear dipping down - it looks like they may be puncturing tires.

Residents are trying to get answers after dozens of vehicles were damaged by a tire-slashing vandal in West Philadelphia on March 18, 2019.

A tire with a slashed sidewall cannot be repaired. One tire shop worker estimated the replacement cost of a passenger car tire could range from $60 for a used tire to three times that amount for a new one.

Resident Katrina Wilson was frustrated by what she and neighbors woke up to Tuesday morning.

"It's ridiculous. A couple of cars with two tires that are slashed. I am glad I have only one. But it's ridiculous to come out and go through this," she said.