Suspect arrested for cop car tire slashing spree

Summary

Police say alleged tire slasher appeared to be under the influence of alcohol when he went after law enforcement vehicles at the Asotin County Jail.

Story Published: Mar 15, 2010 at 9:26 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 15, 2010 at 9:26 PM PST

CLARKSTON - Tires were slashed on three Clarkston Police cars and one Asotin County Sheriff's vehicle over the weekend.

Clarkston Police Chief Joel Hastings said just before 2 a.m. Saturday officers were at the jail and when they came out to respond to a call, they found the flat tires on patrol cars parked on the street in front of the jail, as well as in the jail parking lot.

A security camera from the jail picked up the activity and police said they were able to recognize 48-year-old Steven L. Grinolds of Clarkston.

Hastings said police went to Grinolds' house where police say he admitted to the crime. Police said alcohol was a factor.

They also said Grinolds was angry for being arrested earlier in the day for reckless driving.

He was booked into the Asotin County jail on two felony counts of malicious mischief in the 2nd degree for damaging two on-duty patrol cars and two misdemeanor counts of malicious mischief in the 3rd degree for damaging two off-duty cars.

Hastings said this crime can be especially dangerous for the public because it has the potential to delay response time to emergency calls.

020812 KLEW Web Poll

Now that Washington state legislature has voted to legalize gay marriage, do you think there should be a referendum so that voters have a chance to weigh in?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Undecided