Citizen Tips Help Identify Suspect in Tire-Slashing Case

Wareham Police made an arrest in a tire-slashing case early Friday.

Police responded to Shenanigan's Bar and Grill on Cranberry Highway just before 1 a.m. to investigate a vandalism report. Officers found 24 tires slashed on multiple vehicles in a parking lot.

The suspect was described as a white male with black eyes and cuts on his face.  Witnesses said the suspect had entered the bar and had been refused service.

Police continued to investigate throughout the day and received multiple tips about the incident. They identified the suspect as 35-year-old James Victoria II of West Wareham.

Later in the afternoon, Police responded to a report of shoplifting at the Target Department Store. A man matching Victoria's description had been seen putting items in his backpack and running out of the store.

Officers located Victoria in the parking lot and placed him under arrest. The stolen items were returned to the store.

Victoria is facing charges of larceny and destruction of property over $1,200.

Acting Police chief John Walcek said, "The assistance from the public was instrumental in a suspect being identified and arrested within the same day. We genuinely appreciate the public's help."

Information from Wareham Police