Tire slashing cases escalating, North Bay police seek help finding suspect

Cases of tire slashing in North Bay have been escalating since August 2023. (File)

Cases of tires being slashed in the city are increasing, North Bay police said Tuesday, and they are appealing for help from the public to find whoever is responsible.

The suspect or suspects are “damaging vehicle tires throughout the City of North Bay,” police said in a news release.

“Police have reason to believe that these incidents are connected and that the same person or people are responsible.”

The first case took place in August 2023 involving multiple vehicles in the area of Lee Park. Then 22 tires were damaged on vehicles belonging to a business on Worthington Street East in December 2023.

Then tires on two vehicles were damaged on an Oak Street business in April 2024, followed by four vehicles having tires slashed in August, also on Oak Street.

Cases became more frequent with eight vehicles damaged in September on McIntyre Street East and five vehicles on Oak Street the same month.

Multiple vehicles had their tires damaged in the area of Monk Street and near Lee Park in October 2024.

And there were three instances in December alone – 56 tires damaged on Gormanville Road; two vehicles damaged on Chippewa Street West; and, 24 tires slashed in a parking lot on McIntyre Street between Sherbrooke Street and Wyld Street.

No suspect identified

While the cases seem to be related, police said no description of the suspect or suspects is available for release.

“This damage to property has been occurring since late 2023 and appears to be escalating in frequency, which is concerning,” Insp. Jeff Warner said in the news release.

“Our officers are working diligently to investigate these occurrences and are proactively patrolling potential target areas throughout the city. I am confident that with the assistance of the public, we will be able to identify, locate, and arrest the person or persons responsible.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, including security camera or dash cam footage from any of the locations, is asked to contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press ‘5’ to speak with an officer.

To remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.