The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a suspect who has been intentionally deflating the tires of multiple parked semi-trucks in Columbia County.
According to FHP, the series of criminal mischief (felony level) incidents occurred during nighttime hours while the semi-trucks were parked overnight at various entrance and exit ramps of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10.
As of Wednesday, October 25, FHP stated that there have been approximately ten separate incidents where the suspect has used a “handheld device” to puncture the tires on the vehicle and/or trailer tires.
“In addition to the high cost to replace tires, the ability to safely [operate] a commercial motor [vehicle] with damaged tires is seriously jeopardized,” stated FHP in a press release on Wednesday.
One of the victims provided FHP investigators with surveillance images of a potential suspect (see below) who is described as a slim build white male, between 5’9″ and 6’0″ in height.
If you have any information about similar incidents or potential suspects, the Florida Highway Patrol asks that you call 1-800-387-1290 or your local Crime Stoppers.