Sheriff’s deputies arrested 18-year-old Gustavo Julian on suspicion of slashing the tires of 60 cars in Carpinteria, over the course of eight hours. The tire-slashing spree allegedly began at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, and ended at 6 a.m. on Sunday. He was arrested sometime later Sunday morning.
The cars were all located in residential areas, either parked on the street or in driveways. Streets targeted include Oak Avenue, Willow Place, Linden Avenue, 8th Street, Elm Avenue, Holly Avenue, and Palm Avenue.
Deputies suspect that other suspects are involved. According to Public Information Officer Drew Sugars, “It is difficult for one person to vandalize that many cars in that amount of time.” Additional evidence may lead to more arrests.
Julian was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of felony vandalism and tampering with a vehicle. The district attorney will determine how many cars can be linked to Julian, and determine the charges from there.