Crime & Safety

Man Busted for Slashing Tires on More than a Dozen Cars: Police

Suspect Thomas Loftis told Joliet police that initially he was just trying to stop a friend from driving drunk, but then "went a little crazy."

A Joliet man slashed the tires on a friend's car to stop him from drinking and driving and then found he couldn't stop himself from doing the same to 13 other vehicles, Joliet police said.

Thomas Loftis, 44, of 1631 Edith Drive, was arrested Saturday night and charged with 14 counts of criminal damage to property, Capt. Tab Jensen said. All of the vehicles were parked in the same mobile home park near Cass and Briggs streets in which Loftis lives, he said.

Police responded to the first call of slashed tires at 1537 Edith at about 7:40 p.m., he said. The victim was able to describe Loftis, who was wearing a black leather jacket.

As they drove through the area, they spotted Loftis cutting another set of tires, Jensen said.

Loftis told police his initial plan had been simply to keep his friend from driving home after drinking too much, but that "he just went a little crazy and couldn't stop," Jensen said.

Reports did not say whether alcohol or drugs might have played a role in Loftis' behavior, he said.

Loftis is being held in the Will County jail in lieu of $15,000 bond.

According to Will County circuit clerk records, Loftis was arrested in 2010 on a charge of knowingly damaging property and three times in 2001 and 2003 on a charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.


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