Rise in car tires slashed in Herndon neighborhoods

HERNDON, Va. — Police in the Town of Herndon are asking drivers to be hyper aware after a string of tires were slashed within several days.

The police department received 22 reports since Sept. 14 at three different locations: Stanton Park Court & 3rd Street, 1100 block of Casper Drive, and the 12900 block of Alton Square.

Police said it’s unclear if all of the incidents are connected. The person responsible targeted vehicles of different models during the night.

There were no surveillance videos available of the culprit.

“We've seen incidents like this before, but I don't recall this number,” Sgt. Gabe Miranda told WUSA9. “I think it's pretty much somebody or somebodies being jerks. I don't think it's a symptom of anything larger.”

Fourteen vehicles were hit at the Alton Square location on Thursday. A few of the vehicles could still be seen with flat tires. One other SUV clearly shows there was a new tire.

“It’s really surprising because this is a safe community,” resident Liam Kendall said. “I actually have a dashcam on my camera and I’m looking at getting a battery for it so it stays on when the car is off. Hearing about the tire slashings I think is moving that up my list of things to do, I think.”

The police department has reached out to other agencies to determine if there may be a wider regional problem.

Realistically, investigators said it’s nearly impossible to prevent something like this from happening again.

They ask drivers to park in well-lit and familiar areas. Also, have discussions with neighbors about who has a doorbell or security cameras.