Man arrested in vehicle vandalism spree in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, PA — A Hellertown man has been arrested in connection with a months-long vehicle vandalism spree that damaged approximately 100 vehicles across Northampton County.

Grant Chase, 37, of Hellertown, was taken into custody March 23 and charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief after an investigation into windshield damage that began in late summer 2024.

The vandalism incidents began appearing throughout Northampton County in late summer and early fall of 2024, with an unknown suspect targeting parked vehicles and damaging windshields in residential neighborhoods.

The suspect became known in the community as the “Hammer Slammer” due to the nature of the offenses.

Bethlehem police began receiving similar reports in fall 2024, primarily in the southeastern portion of the South Side.

The suspect appeared to target areas with limited lighting and no city camera coverage, according to police.

Members of the Bethlehem Police Department’s Community Service Unit and Criminal Investigations Division investigated dozens of reported incidents.

Police determined the Bethlehem incidents occurred between Dec. 3 and March 22, with vehicles targeted along East 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th streets and surrounding areas.

Surveillance footage from multiple locations showed the suspect walking through neighborhoods during overnight hours and striking vehicle windshields with what is believed to be a hammer.

Police executed a search warrant at Chase’s residence in Hellertown on March 18, where evidence related to the investigation was recovered.

An additional search warrant and arrest warrant were executed March 23, and Chase was taken into custody without incident.

Evidence recovered included clothing consistent with that seen in surveillance footage.

Between March 21 and March 22, eight vehicles were damaged in one night, with estimated repair costs of approximately $8,000.

Total damages across all incidents are estimated to be several tens of thousands of dollars.

The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Hellertown Borough Police Department, Lower Saucon Township Police Department and Lehigh University Police Department.

Chase was charged with criminal mischief as a felony 3, criminal mischief as a misdemeanor 2 and criminal mischief as a misdemeanor 3.

He was arraigned by District Magistrate Englesson, and bail was set at $50,000.

Chase was remanded to Northampton County Prison.