Nanaimo RCMP are investigating two reports of lug nuts being loosened on vehicles, including one where a wheel came off.
“These were extremely dangerous and malicious acts of vandalism that could have led to tragic consequences,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
Both incidents happened Wednesday to vehicles parked in the lot adjacent to Serauxmen stadium.
In the first case, the owner parked a blue 2008 Dodge Caliber at 8:10 a.m. and returned to it at 12:10 p.m. After about eight minutes of driving, the 17-year-old noticed a pronounced vibration from the rear, passenger-side tire.
As he was pulling over near Bowen Park, the tire came off and rolled close to 200 metres through the park before stopping near the tennis courts.
The teen called his father and the two of them managed to get the tire back in place.
The youth told his friends what had occurred and it appears the news got to someone he knew who was parked just three stalls away in the same lot.
That youth, also 17, immediately checked the lug nuts on his black Ford F-150 and found they were also loose on his rear, passenger-side tire.
He tightened them and was able to drive off safely.
Police would like to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience or who knows about what occurred. Call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
