Tire slasher receives maximum sentence

Benjamin Rinehart, 45, received a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail for second-degree malicious mischief resulting from multiple tire slashings in Pullman. Judge Roger Sandberg ordered Rinehart to pay nearly $2,500 in restitution to four victims who lived nearby. He has the option to reduce his sentence to 60 days if he fully pays the fees within a month, reflecting the middle of the standard range for such convictions. In addition, Rinehart must undergo a mental health evaluation and follow any recommended treatment, along with serving a year of probation upon release. Sandberg condemned the tire slashing as a “senseless act of vandalism” that emotionally and financially harmed the victims.

Court documents indicate Rinehart's arrest followed a woman catching him on surveillance video during one of the incidents. Prosecutors noted that he had no prior convictions before this incident, indicating a possible deviation from his previous behavior. Rinehart's actions prompted significant community concern, emphasizing the need for accountability in local vandalism cases.