'RSM Slasher' Suspect Caught In Rancho Santa Margarita

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Residents of Rancho Santa Margarita can breathe at least a temporary sigh of relief as the suspect known as the "Tire Slasher," a vandal who even has his own neighborhood watch page dedicated to his capture, was at last nabbed by Orange County cops.

My Ngoc Tien Nguyen, a 38-year-old Tustin man, was arrested on Thursday in relation to vandalizing over 20 vehicles over many months in Rancho Santa Margarita, OCSD Lt. Lane Lagaret said.

"Nguyen is suspected of vandalizing more than 20 vehicles over a five month period in Rancho Santa Margarita," Lagaret said. "After interviewing multiple witnesses, collecting and reviewing surveillance footage and conducting undercover surveillance operations, OCSD investigators arrested Nguyen on Thursday.

Nguyen, in custody as of Thursday at the Central Men's Jail, listed his occupation as a software developer.

He was booked on suspicion of multiple misdemeanor and felony counts of vandalism, and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

On April 17, the suspect appeared in Santa Ana court on one similar complaint of tire slashing from November of 2016. He was released on his own recognizance that day, with a hearing scheduled for June according to court documents.

An unnamed resident of Rancho Santa Margarita who set up the RSM Slasher Facebook page has tracked the suspect across the city, posting the suspect's whereabouts from day to day.

He was relieved at the news, as were 1,000 of his closest friends.

The Rancho Santa Margarita Chief of Police Services reached out to the community in a letter, thanking residents for their patience during the investigation of the RSM Slasher.

"While the first reported incidents occurred in late 2016, the recent increase in severity and frequency of the crimes prompted a comprehensive investigation requiring multiple resources," Chief of Police Services, Lt. Luke South said. "Apprehension and identification of the suspect responsible became the top priority for my investigative team and patrol deputies."

According to South, when crimes occur, it is on the shoulders of law enforcement to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation that proves beyond any and all reasonable doubt that the suspect in question is in fact responsible.

"This process takes time," he said. "Initially, a lack of witnesses and victims who could correctly identify the suspect, as well as a need for eyewitnesses who observed the crimes in progress, presented additional challenges and extended the timeframe necessary for Deputies to initiate an arrest.

"We appreciate your trust in this process and your patience during this lengthy investigation. I can happily inform you that the suspect has once again been taken into custody and is being booked on suspicion of multiple counts of misdemeanor and felony vandalism," South said.

However, the possibility of the suspect posting bail remains open. The suspect will still have to appear in court on all charges, and if found guilty, will face whatever penalties the courts determine appropriate, according to South.

"The Sheriff’s Department investigative team has used ever resource available and dedicated over 500 hours of work to present the courts with the most comprehensive case possible," South said.

This is a developing story. Please refresh this page for the latest information.

Orange County Sheriff's Department Photo