Hummer vandal called 'eco-terrorist'

WFAA ^ | 9/22/2008 | Janet St. James

[markomalley]

SOUTHLAKE — Tips keep pouring into Southlake police after releasing the now-infamous video of a gray-haired man using a key to vandalize a Hummer.

The crime was captured on the vehicle's own surveillance system, which had been installed because it had previously been defaced in a similar way.

There have been no arrests yet, but there is legitimate speculation that this could be a case of suburban eco-terrorism against a certain gas-guzzling SUV.

Police say they don't yet know the identity of the man videotaped using his key to gouge "X" marks into the side of a Hummer.

But the Classic Hummer dealership in Grapevine knows that mark well. Their body shop has seen dozens of similar vandalisms in recent months.

"This guy, he's an eco-terrorist, and he ought to pay for his crime," said dealership spokesman Steve Hurley. "I mean, it's a criminal act."

In each case, three "X"-marks are scratched into the vehicle — one on each side and another on the tailgate.

Danny Hill's H2 Hummer was struck. "The guy looked like in the video that he knew what he was doing," Hill said.

No one knows yet if the cluster of vandalism can be linked to a single man, or if it is the work of a group of tree-hugging Hummer-haters.

The vandalism alone is a serious crime that carries a hefty fine of up to $20,000 and possible jail time.

[Cindy]

Eco terrorists getting serious prison time and hefty fines — very good.

[Red_Devil 232]

That is some very clear video. Someone should be able to ID this guy easly!

[Cindy]

One would think so.

OPINION-SPECULATION:

I wonder if the suspect will turn out to be a professor or a retired professor?

[MaryFromMichigan]

He has been identified.
Link here.

[driftdiver]

I hope they catch him and take everything he owns. Then put him in jail.

[BallyBill]

Then again, maybe Hummer Dude just cut the guy off or ran over his dog.

[Paladin2]

Book ‘em Dan-o.

[Red_Devil 232]

Thanks. He turned himself in ... says he was stressed over money! Well aren’t we all!

[BallyBill]

The article says the perp “was stressed over money”. WTH, I get stressed over money too, never made me want to vandalize peoples property.

[BookmanTheJanitor]

http://cbs2.com/watercooler/southlake.hummer.keying.2.821928.html

This artcle has some more background on the perp.

[Red_Devil 232]

They released him on $1000 bond ($100 out of pocket?) they had better watch him closely because he is more stressed now!!!

[MaryFromMichigan]

I liked Normy's comment from a previous thread, “It will actually be the Hummer owners fault for flaunting their money and making this man feel bad.”

[driftdiver]

He’s stressed because the hummer owner obviously needed to spend more money on his vehicle.

He’s a vandal and a liar IMO.

[jalisco555]

The article says the perp “was stressed over money”. WTH, I get stressed over money too, never made me want to vandalize peoples property.

What, you don't key cars when you get stressed over money? Geez, I thought everybody did.

[Mrs.Z]

SOUTHLAKE TEXAS eco-terrorist!!

He’s lucky to still be alive.

[don-o]

Book ‘em Dan-o.

Let ME do it!

[Liberty Valance]

"Jeppe lives in an upscale neighborhood where he serves on the board of his homeowners association. Neighbors describe him in that role as short fused and heavy handed."

LOL! HOA board member. Heavy handed AND extremely poor penmanship. ;o)

[LibLieSlayer]

Arresting this POS is not enough... if you know what I mean.

LLS

[Nick Thimmesch]

In Northwest DC last year a similiar thing happened to some poor mechanic with his vehicle (it may not have even been his — I think he was test driving it and had it at his home) and the local media actually pondered whether or not it was a righteous thing to do. Compare that to those who would do damage to an abortuary and suddened it becomes sacred ground.

Go figure.