Lincoln teenager arrested in connection with string of vandalism

On June 5th, there were a string of vandalism starting shortly after 3 a.m.  

62 vehicles were hit, causing over $25,000 in damage to vehicles and homes.

The majority of them occurred in northeast Lincoln and stretched from 35th and Apple to 61st and Vine.  

Witnesses reported the suspects were in a dark colored hatchback car and they were smashing windows with a baseball bat or golf club. 

Through video surveillance and tips, investigators developed 18-year-old Cody Slama as a suspect. 

On June 9th, a suspect vehicle was located in northeast Lincoln and the owner allowed officers to search the vehicle. Officers located a bat and golf club inside the vehicle.   

On June 12th, Slama was arrested for criminal mischief over $5000.

Melissa Baker was one of the victims.

She was pleased to learn one of the suspects is being held responsible for their actions.

“To hear that there were over 60 people that were affected is pretty wild, so I’m extremely happy that LPD worked really hard in making an arrest,” said Baker.

LPD says home surveillance videos were provided to them, which helped them track down the suspected teenager, 18–year–old Cody Slama.

Officers located the vehicle that was spotted in the videos and found a baseball bat and golf club inside.

Police officials say they couldn’t have tracked Slama down this fast without the public’s help.

“We do want to thank everybody who contacted LPD and crime stoppers with the video and tips regarding these cases,” said LPD Officer Angela Sands.

The Baker family was one of many who had financial ramifications from this incident.

The damage to their car totaled over $2,000 dollars.

She hopes everyone involved is held responsible.

“The people that did this also must be really dealing with some things to go out and do what they did, so I’m glad that they’re going to be held accountable and they are going to have to take responsibility for what they’ve done. And thanks to LPD and all the people coming together that is going to be made possible,” said Baker.

Baker says more and more people are buying forms of surveillance to keep their homes and neighborhoods safer.

She was glad to be apart of a community effort to solve this crime.

“It’s wonderful and it brings a sense of community when we can come together to get past an issue and a crime like this,” said Baker.

The Lincoln Police Department expects more arrests to be made in the near future. We will keep you updated on the latest developments regarding this situation.