Serial Manville Tire Slasher Returns, Car Set On Fire: Video

MANVILLE, NJ — It appears that an alleged serial tire slasher has returned to Manville as 43 vehicles were targeted including one that was set on fire. (See video of the car fire below)

The 42 vehicles with tires slashed sometime between 1 and 3 a.m. were located on North 8th Avenue, North 9th Avenue, St. John’s Street, St. Marks Place, Knopf Street, Clinton Avenue, and Dailey Place.

One vehicle was on fire around 3 a.m. on Wednesday with Manville police and firefighters responding.

Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit along with Manville Police Department are investigating. A K-9 Officer from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

Manville was previously targeted in June, July and August of 2018 when more than 150 cars were damaged. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office also investigated the incidents, yet no arrests were made. Read More: Serial Manville Tire Slasher Strikes Again: 80 Cars, 130 Tires

"Preliminary investigation indicates a strong possibility that the same person is responsible for the fire and tire punctures," Manville Police Lt. John Crater said.

Anyone with information relating to the motor vehicle fire or tire slashings to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Manville Police
Department at 908-725-7677 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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