Philadelphia police search for multiple suspects wanted in cluster of car vandalisms
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A man was arrested in multiple vandalism incidents and car thefts that happened in Northern Liberties earlier this month, Philadelphia police announced Monday.
Isaac Tate was arrested by police on Saturday, July 13, in connection with multiple car thefts on North 5th Street and the 1200 block of North 7th Street, according to police.
However, investigators said Tate is just one of multiple suspects involved in a recent spike in car vandalisms and thefts throughout Philadelphia.
Authorities said "multiple clusters of vehicle vandalisms" have been reported where car windows were broken into and items were taken from the vehicles.
The clusters of car vandalisms have been reported on the following blocks, according to police:
- May 23, 2024, 2900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue
- May 30, 2024, 2600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue
- June 16, 2024, 200 block of Brown Street
- June 21, 2024, 700 block of North 5th Street
- July 22, 2024, 600 block of North 19th Street
- July 23, 2024, 700 block of North 22nd Street
- July 26, 2024, 2100 block of Walden Street
- July 27, 2024, 400 and 500 blocks of North Front Street
- July 28, 2024, 2200 block of Sansom Street
Investigators ask anyone who lives in these areas to check their surveillance cameras and report any information that could be related to these cases of vandalism.
Police said they have already obtained and are thoroughly reviewing video from several of the reported incidents.
Sasha Rose lives nearby and said her car was hit in the past.
"I think everyone is uneasy. Everyone is really upset. I feel like it is getting really old. It's a disturbance, an inconvenience, and for sure costs a decent amount of money to fix," Sasha Rose, of Fairmount, said.
She says her husband noticed the damage as they were leaving to take their child to preschool.
"Glass was everywhere inside so thankfully we live close enough to daycare and he was able to walk her there, but the cars needed immediate attention to get the windows fixed," Rose said.
She added that they don't keep valuables in the car.
"We literally have children's books and a Frozen blanket," Rose said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Central Detective Division at (215) 686-3093 or the department's anonymous tipline at (215) 686-TIPS (8477).
Authorities also advise residents to be vigilant and protect their cars by removing any visible valuables from inside the vehicle and consider purchasing anti-theft devices.
