SPEARFISH, S.D. – Spearfish police have arrested a Rapid City man on eight felony charges and various misdemeanors after allegedly vandalizing a number police and city owned vehicles.
Police say early Sunday, 30 tires in the Spearfish Police Department and City Hall parking lot were slashed.
After checking surveillance video, police identified and arrested 20-year-old Nicholas Rios of Rapid City.
Officers were alerted to the situation after hearing the sound of hissing coming from the north side of the police department.
Officers pursued Rios from the city hall area to the downtown area, where he was apprehended near Ace Hardware on Main Street. He was still in possession of a knife believed used when arrested.
Repairs to the fleet have begun, with completion dependent on the availability of tires in the area. The department approximates the value of the tires alone to be approximately $7,500.
Rios has been charged with seven counts of intentional damage to property; one count of concealed weapon with intent to commit a felony; one count of intentional damage to property; five counts of obstruction of law enforcement; and one count of underage consumption.
