Tires Slashed by Astoria Park last week
Feb. 3, 2021 By Christina Santucci
At least two people had their car tires slashed near Astoria Park last week.
The incidents by Astoria Park appear to be part of a pattern, with a tow truck driver who picked up the vehicles last week saying it is part of an ongoing problem.
Eli Barreto, with Country Wide Auto Collision, said he has towed several cars with slashed tires from the same spot on Shore Boulevard at the intersection with Astoria Boulevard South over the past several months.
“I pick up cars there like every other week,” Barreto said. He explained that vehicles often have multiple damaged tires. “One tire, you can put the spare on. Two tires you have to get towed.”
When asked if the damage could have been caused by potholes or sharp objects on the road, Barreto said no. “There’s always a hole on the side of the tire,” he said.
Only one of the two vehicle owners reported the incident to police at the 114th Precinct.
Tires Slashed by Astoria Park last week
Both car owners said they had been parked in front of a makeshift dog park, known as “Bugsy’s Dog Run,” when their tires were damaged.
“I woke up to go to work Thursday morning, and they were slashed,” said Anthony Jewell.
Jewell said he had to call someone to pick him up and give him a ride to his job at LaGuardia Airport, and later paid $300 for two new tires. “I’m out here trying to make money, not spend money,” he said.
The second person, who did not want to be identified, said she discovered her tires had been damaged Friday morning.
“It’s just vandalism for vandalism’s sake. Are you bored? Do you want to pop things?” she said, suggesting that if cameras were installed in the area that might discourage or record the damage to property.
