Toronto Police are hoping they have cracked the mystery of a slew of tire slashings in the Leslieville area of the city dating back to the summer.
Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook confirmed to NEWSTALK1010 Saturday morning that they arrested a male suspect last night at around 9 p.m., following another recent rash of tire slashings this past Thursday and Friday.
"It's a 28-year-old man and he now faces over 70 charges of mischief to property," Douglas-Cook said. "The reports were that there were over 60 vehicles as of July 1st and possibly more before then."
Police have now identified the suspect as Ahmad Zafar. He faces a total of 78 counts of Mischief/Damage to Property, and made a court appearance Saturday morning.
The vandalism to vehicles left the Leslieville community shaken and angered, so some took it upon themselves to try and search out the suspect, even using social media, including Facebook, to try and track him down.
A downtown car repair shop owner told CP24 it was only a matter of time before they found the person responsible.
"I was able to talk to some of the people that had their tires slashed, show them the photo and the information and it helped identify him. The community came together and we got this guy."
A banding of community that Douglas-Cook acknowledges was a major contributor leading to the arrest.
"Whether it was tips or information, video that we were able to gain from some of the community members. That certainly played a huge role in us locating this person and place him under arrest. We're extremely greatful to the community for their assistance in this matter."
- With files from Heather Seaman, Claude Feig and Jackie Rosen