Two men accused of slashing 31 tires in Mount Pleasant

RACINE -- Two men are charged with felony criminal damage to property in Racine County for allegedly slashing 31 tires in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, June 26th.They are Gavin Chalmers of Brookfield and Jeffrey Jones of Racine.

Officers first responded to the Advance Auto Parts store in Mount Pleasant just before 11 p.m. Tuesday. Three vehicles in the parking lot had flat tires. A witness told officers she saw the two accused men walking on the sidewalk along Highway 20. She says she saw them "pop the tires of the vehicles."

Later, another officer responded to Porcaro Ford where 17 vehicles with popped tires. Another vehicle at Porcaro Mitsubishi also had popped tires.

After talking with the manager at the car dealership, Chalmers and Jones were stopped on the sidewalk in front of the Golden Keys Restaurant. A knife was located nearby in the grass -- and officers say it was consistent with the puncture holes in the tires.

When questioned, Jones told police Chalmers had been upset when he found out a girl he was having sexual relations with had Herpes. While on their way to pick up a friend, he had begun knocking over items and slashing tires.

The 31 tires that were slashed were valued at $150 each. Total damage reported topped $4,600.

If convicted, Chalmers and Jones could each face up to three-and-a-half years in prison plus $10,000 in fines.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.