MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - The Marana Police Department is investigating a rash of slashed tires at a northwest side apartment complex.
Sgt. Chris Warren, spokesperson with Marana PD, says officers started receiving calls overnight from the Springs at Continental Ranch Apartments located at 7901 N. Cortaro Road.
Residents and tire repair shops say there were more than 50 cars with slashed tires. The Marana Police Department was taking reports of slashed tires late into Saturday afternoon.
Inside the garage at Fletcher Tire and Automotive across from the apartment complex, Ken Caldwell's Jeep was on risers to get three slashed tires replaced. He has car insurance, but says the total bill to get three new tires was more than $900.
"What have conversations at the apartment complex been like today?" asked reporter Keaton Thomas. "People that are really upset to people who are looking for the guy," said Caldwell.
If you take a closer look, the thin gashes were in the sidewall of many of the tires.
"A straight edge, possibly a knife, something pretty sturdy," said Mike Karash, store manager at the garage.
Karasch says they have seen half-a-dozen cars at their shop today to replace tires. He says car owners must replace tires because when they are sliced or gashed they cannot be repaired.
Caldwell drove off with three new tires on his Jeep, but says others were not so lucky.
"There are people in the apartment there that just shook their head and walked back inside," he said.
Among them was Ryan Spivey. His Ford Focus also had three tires slashed.
"Because of this and because I was unable to get in touch with my insurance company on a Saturday I couldn't go into work," said Spivey.
Spivey, Caldwell, and other are suspicious of a back gate at the apartment complex that they say is often left open overnight. There is no word yet on if that is a factor.
Spivey says the next step for him: get his car fixed.
"I need to have all four wheels in working order for me to get to work and do my business, so I will be following up with my insurance company on Monday," he said.
