Vandals destroy dozens of windows across Highlands County

SEBRING (FOX 13) - Highlands County detectives are investigating nearly 100 incidents of car windows being vandalized since late March.

Michael Stone was stuck spending his time and money Monday replacing his truck's rear window.

"I looked out the front door and saw all the glass. It was from our rear window here, shattered in our driveway," Stone said.

Dozens of drivers woke up to a similar sight over the past month: Cars, businesses, and even home windows shot out by BB or pellet guns.

"Some of these pellet guns are very powerful. They could severely injure somebody," Highlands County Sheriff's Office's Scott Dressel said Monday.

Detectives say the crime spree picked up significantly over the weekend, with more than 60 cases reported in just two days.

The crimes span from south of Sebring to north of Avon Park, and in total, amount to nearly 100 cases since late March. Detectives believe the vandals are spraying neighborhoods from cars late at night.

"I'm sure they think it's fun, but they're not going to think it’s fun when they go to jail," Dressel said.

Stone says he and other victims have connected over social media. Most are paying for repairs out of pocket.

"We're working class. Most of Highlands County is working class or retirees," he said.

The Highlands County Sheriff's Office is asking for anyone who sees a suspicious vehicle in their neighborhood, particularly at night, to give them a call. They're also looking for home surveillance video that faces the street in the affected neighborhoods.

If you have any information, call Detective Amanda Dettman at 863-402-7820 or leave an anonymous tip with Heartland Crimestoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.