Sheriff volunteers' tires slashed

Tires were slashed sometime overnight on four vehicles used by the Sheriff's Office's Volunteers in Policing program, the sheriff said Wednesday.

The vandalism was discovered about 6 a.m.

The 13 tires were slashed after the vehicles were parked about 4 p.m. Tuesday in the east parking lot across Harbin Street from the Sheriff's Office.

"We always believed the VIP vehicles would be all right over there," said Sheriff Ken Furlong. "We need to realize even our volunteer organization can fall victim to malicious destruction."

Volunteer coordinator Ken Smith said the vandalism is not thought to be targeted. No other vehicles on the street, privately owned or city owned, were hit, he said.

"Better it didn't happen to other vehicles in the neighborhood. We can absorb the cost and it doesn't create fear to us," said Furlong.

He said the damage is estimated at $1,400.

The vehicles will now be parked in a secure lot.

The members of VIP help deputies at traffic incidents, cite or tow abandoned vehicles, provide passing checks on properties when homeowners go on vacation and assist during city events.

Furlong said there are about 150 volunteers at the department.