Cookeville police hunt for vandals

By Silvia Castaneda for News 2

July 14, 2003

Cookeville police need help in figuring out who's been shooting up cars and businesses all over town. The crime is serious, with investigators saying those responsible for the pellet gun shootings could be facing felony charges and even jail time.

There are been at least 25 reports of pellet gun vandals hitting everything from cars to businesses to even a Cookville middle school. People said that they are tired of being victimized and want some answers.

Kevin Wagner's mother in law's car was been pelted by a BB gun, and other cars at his business, N. Washington Auto Saleshave been shot up too.

Examining his cars, he said, "This is new - this one was three weeks ago and this one was yesterday..so I guess I'd better check the lot to see how much more I've got.

But what really upsets Wagner is the $1,200 in total damage he'll now be stuck fixing.

"You've got high deductables on your insurance, so everything you fix is out of pocket," he said.

Cookville Dectective Sgt. Carl Sells said that the damage is approaching $10,000. He believes that the vandals are young but at least of driving age, because the shootings are happening all over town. They strike at night, but that doesn't mean folks aren't in danger.

"Someone may turn around the corner or step out of a door at the same time they pull a trigger on a BB gun or pellet gun and pellet guns or BB guns can definately cause serious personal injury," said Sells.

As for Wagner, he'll now walk his lot every morning to make sure the pellet vandals haven't struck again. And once they're caught, there is only one thing he wants from them.

"Make them pay restitution," he said.

Cookeville investigators say if you have any information regarding the pellet gun vandals, please give them a call through CrimeStoppers at 931-520-7867.