More than 40 tires slashed in Funkstown

April 19, 2008|By MARLO BARNHART

FUNKSTOWN - More than 40 Funkstown residents awoke Friday morning to find they were among those in town who had their tires slashed.

The Washington County Sheriff's Department said calls about the tire slashings started coming in Friday at 5:48 a.m. from residents on East Poplar, West Baltimore, East and West Chestnut, and High streets.

Deputy D.L. Junkins said he believed more town residents would find their tires slashed as the day went on.

Damage was estimated at $100 per tire, Junkins said.

Some vehicles targeted were parked on the street, while others were in driveways.

High Street resident Barbara King said her family had two tires slashed - one on her vehicle and one on her husband's.

"I definitely think it's kids," Funkstown Mayor Robert L. Kline said when told of the tire slashings.

Kline said he is satisfied with the amount of police protection that the town provides despite the overnight crime spree.

Kelli Roser, town secretary, said the town pays a Sheriff's Department deputy to patrol between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. on days when there are officers who want the overtime assignment.

Those hours were chosen because of recent problems with motorists who ignore the one-way status of Chestnut and Poplar streets where they intersect with Edgewood Drive.

"I'm hoping this isn't retribution for the one-way directions of those streets," Washington County Sheriff Doug Mullendore said Friday morning.

King said the town does not have a Neighborhood Watch group.

"We used to have a Neighborhood Watch, but that has been gone for more than 10 years," King said. "We couldn't get the younger residents to join."

Kline said his tires were not among those damaged. Councilman Richard Nigh said he also was not a victim.

Attempts to reach other council members were unsuccessful.

Junkins said the investigation was continuing. Anyone with information may call the Sheriff's Department at 301-791-3020 or the criminal investigation unit at 240-313-2182, or leave a crime tip on the Web site at www.wash cosheriff.com.

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