Teens arrested in vandalism of autos

Lynn Doan

Monday, July 26, 2004 | 11:01 a.m.

Metro Police arrested a Las Vegas teenager Saturday on suspicion of vandalizing more than 30 cars in the Desert Shores area earlier this month.

The teenage boy will most likely face multiple felony charges, Metro Police Officer Jose Montoya said. Police are looking for another teenager who they believe was involved in the vandalism, Montoya said.

Two weeks ago, more than 30 residents on Angel Fire Street, Bear Valley Street, Sheltered Valley Drive and Squaw Valley Avenue woke up to find their car tires punctured and gasoline siphoned.

Police, who said the damage total was in the thousands of dollars, said the vandalism was unusual for the typically quiet northwest Las Vegas neighborhood.

"I am really happy," said Shara Edwards, 54, who had three tires on her Ford Ranger popped and the gasoline tank emptied. "I'd like to make them figure out what they're going to do for my car."

Her car insurance doesn't cover vandalism, Edwards said. She would be spending at least $2,000 in tire replacements and dent repairs.

"It's going to cost much more than my car is worth," she said.

Shelley Anderson, 56, woke up to find that all four tires of her husband's new Honda CR-V had been slashed. The couple had not yet made their first payment on the car.

"I just pray for this young man that he gets the help he needs," Anderson said. "I'm glad that he's been found and I pray that his life doesn't go from one crime to another."

Anderson said her insurance has covered most of the cost for repairs.

Anyone with information about the vandalism should call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.

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