A 40-year-old man is facing a slew of charges in connection with tire slashings at Deresti Motors last month — and a string of other vandalism in the city.
After numerous reports were made of tires being slashed over a week-long stretch, along with a garage fire on St. Andrews Terrace on April 13, Sault Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with arson and 14 counts of mischief under $5,000.
Between April 14 and 21, 911 communications received reports of 45 tires being slashed on a total of 20 vehicles. One of those vehicles was scratched with a key and had a bicycle placed on its hood, while another vehicle appeared to be damaged by being kicked.
Deresti Motors owner Matt Pavoni had five cars on display in his lot when every one of his tires were among those slashed in the early hours of April 14.
He estimated the damages would cost well over $5,000 in repairs, which included four new tires and labour costs on each vehicle.
“I’ve had things happen in the past, but nothing to this extent,” he told SooToday at the time.
According to police, the slashings occurred in a number of west-end neighbourhoods, including the 300 block of Wellington Street West where Deresti Motors is located.
Other areas impacted also included:
- The 0-100 block of St. Andrews Terrace
- The 0-100 block of St. George’s Avenue
- The 100 block of St. George’s Avenue
- The 300 block of North Street
- The 400 block of North Street
- The 200 block of Albert Street
- The 0-100 block of Pardee Avenue
- The 0-100 block of Spruce Street
No physical injuries were sustained from the fire.
On May 10, police say the accused went to the police services building and was arrested.
Andrew Hay is charged with:
- arson
- mischief under $5,000 (x14)
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on July 8, 2024.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Hay is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The used car dealer took to social media last month to extend his appreciation to the local businesses who stepped up to assist him with the repair costs on his vehicles.
Pavoni also wanted Sault Police to know their efforts in locating a suspect has provided him some comfort after an incredibly challenging month.
"I can only imagine the work and the time they had to put in this," he said. "I'm very grateful to them, it's a huge relief."