Car Damage At Tulsa's American Airlines Base May Be Intentional

An incident that damaged dozens of cars in the parking lot of the American Airlines maintenance base may be an intentional act, according to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

TCSO started investigating a report of an industrial accident at the base at Tulsa International Airport Tuesday afternoon.  A spokesman for the office said it was told a bead blaster had malfunctioned, spraying dozens of cars with plastic beads which damaged their windows.

3/13/2012:  Related Story:  Dozens Of Cars Damaged At American Airlines' Base In Tulsa

Later Tuesday afternoon, the spokesman, Sergeant Shannon Clark, said investigators were heading back out to the scene after receiving information from some of the victims that the incident may not have been accidental.

Wednesday morning, Clark said investigators have found no indication of criminal activity. Clark said American Airlines is conducting its own investigation but has not shared any information with his office.

Later in the afternoon, TCSO released a statement saying both agencies now believe the act was malicious and intentional.

News On 6 has received information that as many as 170 vehicles were damaged in the incident.

Deputies did see that the damage was done by small plastic beads, which they were told were just like those used in a bead blaster at the base.  The blaster uses compressed air to spray metal parts with the beads, cleaning the parts of dirt, corrosion, paint or other chemicals.  However, they were told the bead blaster is on the other side of a large building from where the damage happened and bolted to the floor.

TCSO says it hasn't heard from any victims who said they suspect criminal activity, but several wanted a report created in case it turned into something.  The company told T.C.S.O. that it would handle repairs to the cars.