Fugitive Wanted for Slashing Tires on Dozens of Cars

GONZALES, TX –– The Gonzales Police Department is seeking the public's help to locate a suspect accused of slashing the tires on dozens of vehicles.

According to Gonzales PD, the first call concerning the incident occurred on Saturday, July 17th. Minutes before midnight officers were dispatched to the 1100 block Ainsworth Street for reports of three cars with slashed tires.

Throughout Sunday, officers received multiple calls regarding slashed tires at homes and hotels.

With the help of witnesses and surveillance footage, police identified a tall, slender black man in a T-shirt kneeling by vehicles traveling in a grey Dodge pickup truck.

The individual was subsequently identified as 49-year-old Hayword Kent Harper.

According to Gonzales Police Lt. Jason Montoya, Harper was pulled over early Sunday morning. Harper was subsequently arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Harper was released from the Gonzales County Jail a few hours later –– well before authorities learned of the extensive tire slashing.

Authorities say Gonzales damaged the tires on more than 60 vehicles, causing more than $2,500 in damage. This ups the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Harper's official residence is listed in Sheridan, TX, but he is "well-known" in the Gonzales area.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Gonzales PD at (830) 672-8686.