43 vehicles vandalized in south Windsor, suspect arrested

A Windsor police cruiser sits outside of headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, June 24, 2019. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

Windsor police have arrested a 63-year-old man after 43 vehicles were vandalized during a series of incidents in south Windsor.

Between the overnight hours of Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, officers received multiple reports of vehicles damaged in the areas of Dandurand Avenue, Alexandra Avenue, Hallee Crescent, Virginia Park Avenue, and Randolph Avenue.

In total, police say 21 vehicles were damaged, resulting in an estimated $21,000 in losses. Surveillance footage captured a suspect using a tool to scratch vehicles and puncture tires.

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Oct. 22, a witness spotted the same suspect approach a vehicle and use a tool to slash its tires. That night, police say an additional 22 vehicles were damaged in the areas of Academy Drive, Alexandra Avenue, Casgrain Drive, and Dandurand Avenue, causing an estimated $13,000 in damage. After an investigation, members of the Windsor Police Target Base Unit identified the suspect as a 63-year-old man. Later that day, he was located and arrested at a residence in the 2500 block of Academy Drive. He has been charged with the following offences:

Mischief to property over $5,000 (x2)

Possession of property obtained by crime not exceeding $5,000 Theft under $5,000

Wearing a disguise to commit an offence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at http://catchcrooks.com.