BEDFORD — A Bedford man is facing multiple criminal charges after a week-long spree of tire slashings in a local neighborhood was captured on surveillance video.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Justin Dodd of the Bedford Police Department, Jason Phillips, 42, of 3rd Street, has been identified as the suspect behind a series of attacks that left at least four vehicles disabled in the 1300 block of 2nd Street.
The investigation began on March 3, 2026, when officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of 2nd Street. A resident reported that her tire had been slit overnight, noting a large opening in the sidewall. While on the scene, police were flagged down by several other neighbors reporting identical damage.
The victims, including a young couple, initially suspected a personal acquaintance. However, the vandalism continued even after the victims moved their vehicles to the Remnant Church parking lot, specifically parking under a surveillance camera for protection. Despite the move, two brand-new tires on each vehicle were flattened the following night.
While the church’s surveillance system initially experienced technical difficulties, the associate pastor was eventually able to retrieve and email the footage to investigators.
The breakthrough in the case came after Detective Thompkins posted the surveillance footage to Facebook. The post led to a swift identification by fellow officers. Officer Jones and Sergeant Gerkin both identified the man in the video as Jason Phillips, noting they recognized him from previous interactions.
Police reports indicate that Phillips lives in proximity to the crime scenes on 3rd Street, matches the physical description and appearance of the individual seen in the surveillance footage, and is known by law enforcement to frequently carry knives and swords.
Law enforcement officials, including Major Bridges and Major Louden, made multiple attempts to speak with Phillips at his residence between March 12 and March 17.
Although investigators believed someone was inside the home during these visits, Phillips refused to answer the door. Business cards left by officers were removed from the property, but no return call was ever made to the department.
Officer Dodd requested an arrest warrant for Phillips on four counts of criminal mischief and vandalism. He was detained on April 2.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
