Serial car window smasher arrested after Pioneer Square rampage 20K in damage

A 54-year-old man was arrested by Seattle police on April 9 after vandalizing eight cars in Pioneer Square, causing an estimated $20,000 in damages. The incident occurred around 2:26 p. m. when witnesses reported seeing him smash vehicle windows with a tree branch and wooden stake as he moved along South Washington Street. Officers responded promptly, discovering several cars with shattered windshields and rear windows.

The suspect was located shortly after the vandalism near the intersection of South Washington Street and Alaskan Way South. He faces eight counts of Malicious Mischief 2 and was booked into the King County Jail following his arrest. Police also recovered the tree branch and large wooden stake, which had glass shards embedded in it, believed to be the tools of the crime. The collaboration with car owners at the scene helped assess the extensive damage. This incident raises concerns about public safety and vandalism in urban areas, highlighting the need for community vigilance.