Man accused of slashing tires

CCSO

Charles Wayne Benz faces a felony criminal mischief charge.

A group of East Naples bar patrons pinned down a man they said slashed their tires, holding him until deputies were able to arrive Sunday night.

Around 11:45 p.m., Collier County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the Break Time Lounge, 4630 Gulfstream Drive, and found Charles Wayne Benz, 24, underneath the group. About 14 people in the circle said Benz had slashed the tires on their cars.

The victims said Benz tried to leave, but some of the bar patrons chased him and tackled him to the ground. In all, seven tires were slashed on six cars, according to an arrest report.

While investigating, deputies found a knife in Benz’s pocket, reports said. The damages were estimated at about $1,400.

Reports did not indicate why Benz slashed the tires.

Benz, of the 2100 block of 17th Street Southwest, Golden Gate Estates, faces a felony criminal mischief charge. He was treated at NCH Downtown Naples Hospital before he was taken to jail.