BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WPVI) — Police in Bethlehem have arrested the man dubbed the “Hammer Slammer,” who was wanted for allegedly smashing nearly 100 windshields across the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n
Grant Chase, 37, of Hellertown, was taken into custody Monday following a month-long investigation.<\/p>\n
Police say the case began in the fall of 2025, when Northampton County residents started reporting widespread damage to their vehicles.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the vandalism in Bethlehem occurred between Dec. 3, 2025, and March 22, 2026, mostly along East 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th streets. Across the region, roughly 100 similar incidents have been reported.<\/p>\n
Surveillance video allegedly showed the suspect walking through neighborhoods overnight and striking windshields with what appeared to be a hammer.<\/p>\n
Officers say Chase targeted areas with poor lighting and no city cameras.<\/p>\n
Police say footage from several sources ultimately helped advance the investigation.<\/p>\n
On March 18, a search warrant was executed at Chase’s home, where evidence was recovered, police say. He was arrested days later without incident.<\/p>\n
According to police, Chase allegedly damaged eight cars in a single night between March 21 and March 22, causing an estimated $8,000 in repairs. Investigators estimate the total damage from all incidents amounts to several tens of thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n
In Bethlehem, Chase is charged with criminal mischief. He was arraigned with bail set at $50,000.<\/p>\n
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