Suspect sought in the slashing of tires on more than 60 vehicles in Gonzales

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The Gonzales Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a suspect in the slashing of tires on more than 60 vehicles in the city on Saturday and Sunday, July 17-18.

Hayword Kent Harper, 49, of Sheridan is sought on a state jail felony warrant for criminal mischief in connection with the incidents. The criminal mischief case moved from a misdemeanor to a felony when the estimate value of the damage exceeded $2,500.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at (830) 672-8686.

According to Gonzales Police Lt. Jason Montoya, the first call came in at 11:56 p.m. on Saturday, July 17 at the 1100 block of Ainsworth Street in Gonzales. Three cars had slashed tires.

Calls continued from residences and hotels well into Sunday.

Witnesses and security camera footage showed a tall, slender black man in a T-shirt kneeling by vehicles, according to Montoya. It was also determined that the suspect was driving a grey Dodge pickup truck.

Montoya said that Harper was pulled over early Sunday morning. He was taken into custody for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. However, the felony-level extent of the tire slashing was not know until later Sunday – after Harper was released from the Gonzales County Jail

While Harper’s residence is in Sheridan, Montoya said he is “well known” in the Gonzales area.

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