A man is accused of vandalizing more than a dozen cars in the west Valley because he was upset after breaking up with his girlfriend.
Over a two-day crime spree in August, Austin Todd Wilmers, 22, and another person allegedly drove through the Contessa and White Tanks Foothills communities in Waddell and targeted several cars, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said.
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According to officials, Wilmers shattered car windows, sliced tired and cut fuel lines causing more than $5,000 in damages.
The vandalism began on Aug. 27 and continued into the next day, MCSO said. The pair used baseball bats and razor blades during the incidents.
Sixteen cars were reportedly damaged, authorities confirmed.
Wilmer was caught after several residents came out of their homes when their car alarms went off, MCSO said. Witnesses were able to provide a description of the suspect’s car and a license plate number.
Wilmer was charged with criminal damage and defacing property in connection with the incidents.
During an interview with investigators, Wilmer allegedly admitted to the incidents and said he was upset after a recent break-up. He wrote a letter apologizing to the victims and stated, “I’m sorry that because of my actions your lives are now affected financially…”
The second vandalism suspect has not been arrested. He or she is believed to be a relative of Wilmer.
