Vandals sought in Douglas car dealership case

MINDEN - A Minden car dealership suffered damage to its fleet when vandals poured paint stripper on 20 vehicles. Douglas County investigators and Secret Witness are now looking to the public to help solve the crime.

A reward of up to $1,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an unknown number of vandals who did the damage at the C.O.D. Motor Company lot between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Rob Hellwinkel, general manager of the Buick-Chevy-Jeep dealership, said the company has not received a dollar estimate of the damage, but repair costs will likely be "extensive."

"It could have been a customer or ex-employee - anyone," he said. "There is no way to tell who would have done this."

The company floors a fleet of 55 to 75 cars, depending on the status of inventory, he said. Cars damaged include new and used models.

In light of the severity of the damage, Hellwinkel said the dealership has improved security measures. "We have definitely made adjustments," he said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Secret Witness at 78-CRIME or Douglas County Sheriff's Investigator Rick Brown at 782-9909.