Tulsa Police Searching for Pellet Gun Vandals

Tulsa Police say holiday vandals have been using pellet guns to shoot out windows in businesses between Boulder and Delaware from 11th to 18th streets. <br><br>It's costing the owners thousands of

Tuesday, December 14th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police say holiday vandals have been using pellet guns to shoot out windows in businesses between Boulder and Delaware from 11th to 18th streets.

It's costing the owners thousands of dollars in Christmas profits. Holes, from the pellet guns, are scattered in the stronger, laminated glass in the stores trying to fight back.

Gene Johnson, owner of Hawk's photography says once you fix it, the vandals come back. He says $2,500 of his profits have gone down the drain. Tony Solow owns a glass company, and says his extra work is senseless. "I went a few months there, where I didn't get a full night's sleep", Solow said. Tulsa Police have beefed up patrol since vandals have struck dozens of businesses since August.

Merchants thought the worst was over last week when police arrested two teenagers using pellet guns. But vandals struck again this weekend, breaking more windows. To fight back, Johnson is putting up lights and a video camera and wants to team up with nearby stores to hire security guards and offer a reward. "Maybe we will catch them in the act. It's going to be very difficult, but it's probably the only answer" Johnson said. Police believe the vandals are shooting out the windows from a car, so it's hard to catch them in the act.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tulsa Police Crimestoppers 596-COPS.