12:44 PM PDT on Monday, May 15, 2006

By CHRIS DANIELS / KING 5 News

TACOMA, Wash. - A Tacoma blood bank is trying to fill in the gaps after a vandal struck five blood delivery trucks over the weekend. 

Cascade Regional Blood Services, the non-profit which delivers blood to local hospitals, was left vanless after the tire slasher came through and punctured tires on five delivery vehicles. 

KING

Cascade Regional Blood Services was left vanless over the weekend after a tire slasher came through and punctured tires on five delivery vehicles.

“I don't think I've seen anything like this,” said Kelley Gregory, Cascade Regional Blood Services. “We had 11 tires, vandalized, punctured or air let out.” 

Tacoma police said vandalism activity has been on the rise in the Wright Park neighborhood in Tacoma the past two months.  But the blood bank believes the crime was committed sometime between Saturday and Sunday afternoons and that this spree could hurt them in the future. 

“Thank goodness the damage isn't so extensive we can't be on the road at 10 a.m. making our first deliveries, but it definitely costs us money," said Gregory. 

The mass slashing could cut into the non-profit organization’s budget.  To fix all 11 tires, it could cost them about $1,000.  The non-profit does believe it can have all the tires fixed soon so those who need blood fast won't be hurt by the crime. 

“This puts us out this morning, and we don't appreciate it,” said Gregory.  “I'm not sure who or why someone would do this."  

If you have any information in the case, you're urged to call the Tacoma Police Department.