78 counts for man charged after Leslieville tire-slashing investigation

A man has been charged with 78 counts of mischief and damage to property after an investigation into a campaign of tire slashing that has plagued the Leslieville area for three months.

On Sept. 28 police reported 60 reports of damage to vehicles in the area since July 1. In most of these reports, tires had been cut or punctured in the evening to early mornings, usually on Wednesday night to Thursday mornings.

The vandalism occurred within an area bound by Gerrard Street East, Eastern Avenue, Boulton Avenue and Marjory Avenue, police said.

Police released security camera images of a man wanted in the investigation of vandalism to vehicles.

The man was described as 25-30 years old, 5-foot-10 and 190 lbs. Police said he was last seen wearing dark pants, dark sweater, and olive-coloured baseball cap.

Police asked local residents to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood and to check for damage before driving their vehicles.

Ahmad Zafar, 28, of Toronto was arrested by the district’s major crime unit in Leslieville at 9 p.m. on Sept. 28.

He was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 29, facing 78 counts of mischief and damage to property not exceeding $5,000.