Viral Video Culprit Arrested in Costco Parking Lot Vandalism

Copied!
James M. Jefferson (71) of Pleasant Prairie

Pleasant Prairie, Wis. – A dramatic arrest was announced today following a week-long investigation into a viral video that captured a shocking act of vandalism at a local Costco parking lot.

Paid Advertisement

On Saturday, February 15th, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a Tesla video recorded a disturbing incident in which a man was seen repeatedly keying a vehicle. The footage, widely shared on social media, shows the individual circling the car and deliberately causing damage by scratching its surface not once, but twice.

Paid Advertisement

After a thorough investigation, Pleasant Prairie Police have identified the suspect as 71-year-old James M. Jefferson, a resident of Pleasant Prairie. According to police records, Jefferson was apprehended and is now being held at the Kenosha County Jail pending charges.

Paid Advertisement

Authorities have formally requested that the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office file charges against Jefferson for felony criminal damage to property. The investigation, which quickly garnered community attention due to the video’s viral spread, is now moving to the next phase of the legal process.

Paid Advertisement

James M. Jefferson is expected to be formally charged on Monday or Tuesday. He is presumed innocent.

Paid Advertisement
James M. Jefferson (71) of Pleasant Prairie

.

Paid Advertisement

.

.

.

.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Steil’s ZIP Code Reform Bill Passes House, Targets Mail Delays and Emergency Response Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass H.R. 3095, legislation co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil that seeks to modernize the nation’s ZIP code system to better align with current municipal boundaries. The measure aims to tackle longstanding issues such as misdirected mail, emergency service delays, insurance discrepancies, and tax confusion. “For too long, mismatched

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Illinois Woman Accused of Selling Cocaine at Country Thunder Festival

Sarah L. Jackson, 34, of West Chicago in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — An Illinois woman is facing four criminal charges after allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover detective at the Country Thunder music festival in Randall. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Man Shot Gun Near Children During Argument With Girlfriend, Prosecutors Say

Ernest Leroy Massie Jr., 35, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing a “warning shot” during an argument with his girlfriend while children were in the backseat of their vehicle, according to a

Sex Offender With History of Child Assaults Released Into Pleasant Prairie Neighborhood

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 50-year-old man convicted of multiple sex offenses against children has been released into a residential neighborhood in Pleasant Prairie, according to a public notice issued Monday by the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Bryon P. Cibrario, who is classified as having a potential to re-offend, will

Plus +

Man Allegedly Fired Gun Near Twin Lakes Home While Intoxicated; $50,000 Bail Set

Brayden N. Jones, 23, of Oak Creek in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 23-year-old Oak Creek man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly pointing and firing a handgun near a Twin Lakes residence early Sunday morning while intoxicated, according to a

Categories
Archives
Authors

45 Responses

  1. Felony? Held in jail. How much damage did he cause? Does he have any criminal history?

    Normally there is a long list of past charges and convictions in articles about rapists, drug dealers, and other dangerous people who are or could be released on bond. They couldn’t do a summons and complaint? Why not?

    Wow! He is actually locked up! I can sleep easy to tonight knowing that if you touch a Tesla in Pleasant Prairie you are going to be locked up.

    18
    35
      1. We’re just happy that we didn’t have to falsely arrest any black people and beat them.
        Because even we could tell this was a white guy this time around
        We are disappointed he did not have a dog to shoot.

        3
        14
    1. Why? Because he’s old? At his age, he should know better. And he repeatedly keyed the car… I would expect him to be jailed. Why should stupidity get a pass?

  2. Asshat tried to shave and get a quick haircut to avoid getting caught. Keyed a Tesla because he doesn’t like Musk. Typical democrat move. Throw the book at the old fart

    39
    7
    1. Typical? I’m a center left individual. I can honestly say that I don’t know anyone that would want to key a tesla. I rather detest Musk. Vandalizing personal property is worthy of an arrest for sure. Make fun of the cars all you want. Make fun of the man that runs the company. Call them Swatsticars, but don’t start vandalizing someone’s personal property. The absolutist false dichotomy of All conservatives are X and All liberals are Y is just destroying our nation and local community.

      10
      1
  3. Well done, I hope this continues a trend of how to handle this kind of thing. Besides, he’s probably a lot safer in the lockup then he would be on the street if they’d simply told the car owner his name…

    2
    3
  4. Rack Him, what an idiot. If he’s 71 and doing that crap, he can’t be helped. At least pull his finger nails off so he can’t key anymore. Only kidding, but it would work.

    3
    4
  5. Maybe it’s because of all the unnerving things I’ve read about on The Eye, but I don’t think keying a car qualifies as a “shocking act of vandalism.” If they managed to catch the right cat, give him a fine and time served, and tell him he’s a dumb F&C% that managed to land himself on The Eye. Nice work.

    6
    3
    1. I think he must have something mentally wrong with him. 71 years old doing this? Pretty sure something is wrong with him. BTW…who owns the car? If the owner posted it on Social Media, who is the owner?

      1. You’re a tool, way to make up your own fitting narrative for politics……

        What if the Tesla driver is a democrat who was busy putting on makeup while on theys/thems way to a DEI meeting and cut off this guy who was on his way to go listen to a Rittenhouse lecture?

        like I said previously, I would like to know the whole story not some BS assumptions

        2
        5
        1. That might be the case, but still…he shouldn’t have done it. I don’t think it warrants JAIL time though. Seems a bit extreme considering all the other criminals out there that walk away with no arrests and a slap on the wrist with a fine.
          Geez! Look at Steinbrink Jr and how much he damaged Pleasant Prairie families and stole from the tax payers! ALOT MORE THAN $2500!!! He gets no arrest time until he FINALLY gets charged with a MISDEMEANER and 1 year in jail. What an upside down world! It doesn’t matter what side you are on, he should just be fined a vandalism charge and pay for the damages, not jail time( of course, unless he had a really crappy attitude with police, then maybe, but still…).

            1. I understand that. It’s so stupid he did it, but I just think it’s a bit extreme to put him in jail, unless, like I’m mentioned, he caused alot of grief when the police went to talk with him.

    1. That is not his son..it’s his grandson. I raised the son…so do not bring him into this. He had nothing to do with it …PERIOD

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

Steil’s ZIP Code Reform Bill Passes House, Targets Mail Delays and Emergency Response Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass H.R. 3095, legislation co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil that seeks to modernize the nation’s ZIP code system to better align with current municipal boundaries. The measure aims to tackle longstanding issues such as misdirected mail, emergency service delays, insurance discrepancies, and tax confusion. “For too long, mismatched

Plus +

Illinois Woman Accused of Selling Cocaine at Country Thunder Festival

Sarah L. Jackson, 34, of West Chicago in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — An Illinois woman is facing four criminal charges after allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover detective at the Country Thunder music festival in Randall. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Accused of Credit Card Fraud, Burglary Held on Dual Warrants from Wisconsin and Illinois

Rasheen D. Linder, 27, of Florida in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Florida man appeared in Kenosha County court Monday on two active warrants — one local and one from Illinois — connected to a series of alleged thefts, break-ins, and fraudulent credit card use that crossed state lines. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Man Shot Gun Near Children During Argument With Girlfriend, Prosecutors Say

Ernest Leroy Massie Jr., 35, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing a “warning shot” during an argument with his girlfriend while children were in the backseat of their vehicle, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. You must be logged in

Sex Offender With History of Child Assaults Released Into Pleasant Prairie Neighborhood

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 50-year-old man convicted of multiple sex offenses against children has been released into a residential neighborhood in Pleasant Prairie, according to a public notice issued Monday by the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Bryon P. Cibrario, who is classified as having a potential to re-offend, will be residing in the 5600 block of 85th Street following his release from

Plus +

Man Allegedly Fired Gun Near Twin Lakes Home While Intoxicated; $50,000 Bail Set

Brayden N. Jones, 23, of Oak Creek in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 23-year-old Oak Creek man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly pointing and firing a handgun near a Twin Lakes residence early Sunday morning while intoxicated, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. You must be logged in

Country Thunder Arrest: Burlington Teen Accused of Disorderly Conduct and THC Possession

RANDALL, Wis. — A Burlington teenager was charged Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with disorderly conduct, possession of THC, and misdemeanor bail jumping following an incident over the weekend at the Country Thunder music festival. Noah Michael Erskine, 18, appeared in court where Court Commissioner William Michel II set a $500 cash bail. He was also cited for underage drinking. A pre-trial

Plus +

Illinois Woman Charged After Alleged Domestic Incident at Country Thunder

Sumer Mari Perzigian, of Ingleside, Ill. in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — A 21-year-old woman from Illinois is facing two misdemeanor charges after deputies say she physically blocked her boyfriend from leaving their camper during a heated argument at the Country Thunder music festival over the weekend. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

FBI: Pleasant Prairie Man’s Child Pornography Among ‘Most Egregious’ Ever Encountered; Faces New Charges, Trial Looms

Frankie William Rosa, 32, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A Pleasant Prairie man already facing felony charges for possessing illegal images of minors is now charged in a second criminal case after federal agents uncovered what they described as some of the most disturbing material they have ever encountered. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged with Strangulation as Daughter Watched, Made Racial Slurs at Black Deputy

James R. Sanato, 47, of Illinois in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) BRISTOL, Wis. – A 47-year-old Zion, Illinois, man is facing five criminal charges in Kenosha County after allegedly strangling the mother of his child in front of their 5-year-old daughter and later making repeated racial slurs at a Black sheriff’s deputy during his arrest. You must be logged

Big Crowds, Big Fun: Das Fest Brings Gemütlichkeit to Kenosha County Fairgrounds for First Time

WILMOT, Wis. — With beer steins raised high, music in the air, and the joyful chaos of dachshunds in motion, Das Fest Wisconsin made a memorable debut at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds this weekend, drawing thousands of revelers for a celebration of all things German — and then some. Friday night’s crowd was nothing short of electric, with festivalgoers packing the grounds to

Jelly Roll Shines, Rain Falls, and Braxton Keith Impresses at 2025 Country Thunder

TWIN LAKES, Wis. – More than 100,000 people turned out for this year’s Country Thunder music festival, an annual four-day celebration of beer, boots and country music in western Kenosha County. Fans camped, danced and partied from Thursday through Sunday despite a muddy Saturday that brought rain delays and one canceled performance. Kenosha County Eye was in attendance Friday and caught rising Texas

Plus +

Hit-and-Run Driver Accused of Lying to Deputies, Violating Bond

Kadarius D. Bolden, 21, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A 21-year-old Racine man is facing three misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of a highway crash in Somers and lying to deputies during the investigation. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Man Accused of Choking and Threatening Girlfriend, Held on $5,000 Bail

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after sheriff’s deputies say he assaulted and choked his girlfriend during a violent confrontation Thursday night, all while out on bond in another domestic abuse case. Eric W. Gragen, 43, was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with five criminal counts: strangulation and suffocation (domestic abuse), battery (domestic abuse),

Plus +

Waukegan Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Mother of His Children After Jail Release

Anthony D. Kindle Jr., 30, of Waukegan, Ill in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 30-year-old Waukegan man was charged Friday with felony intimidation of a victim and two misdemeanors after allegedly showing up uninvited at his ex-girlfriend’s home and later threatening her repeatedly over the phone. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Man Accused of Crawling Into Woman’s Bed at Country Thunder Camper Held on Bail

Preston Andrew Kelley, of Lodi, Wis. in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — A 20-year-old man is facing criminal charges after allegedly entering a stranger’s camper at the Country Thunder music festival and climbing into her bed while she was asleep. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Graffiti Suspect Charged in Vandalism Spree Targeting Kenosha Businesses

Alexander Robert Crosier, 34, in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old homeless man is facing three misdemeanor charges of graffiti after allegedly spray-painting skulls and slogans on three separate businesses in Kenosha during the early morning hours of July 10. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Throwing Beer Bottle at Wife, Punching Her Repeatedly

Jose L. Cervantes, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha man was in court Thursday on charges of battery and disorderly conduct after allegedly striking his wife with a glass beer bottle and punching her several times during a domestic dispute. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

New Bill Would Let Adults Sue Doctors Over Gender Procedures They Received as Minors

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A new bill introduced Thursday by State Rep. Amanda Nedweski and Sen. Rob Hutton would allow individuals to sue doctors and healthcare providers over gender transition procedures they underwent as minors—potentially decades after the fact. The legislation, known as LRB-2406, would create a civil cause of action for those who say they were harmed by puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones,

Wintrust to Open Bank Branch at Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, First Private Development on 107-Acre Site

KENOSHA, Wis. — The first private development at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN) has been announced: a community bank branch operated by Wintrust Financial Corporation. The new location, a branch of State Bank of the Lakes, will serve as a local hub for banking services, with added amenities like a community-accessible conference room. The bank, a subsidiary of Wintrust, has a longstanding footprint

Plus +

Illinois Man Accused of Making Sexual Comments to Minors at Kenosha Market

Kenosha Police Squad Cars(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 65-year-old Illinois man has been charged with two counts of disorderly conduct after allegedly making sexually inappropriate comments to teenage girls at Kenosha’s Harbor Market in May. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

LATEST NEWS

Steil’s ZIP Code Reform Bill Passes House, Targets Mail Delays and Emergency Response Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass H.R. 3095, legislation co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil that seeks to modernize the nation’s ZIP code system to better align with current municipal boundaries. The measure aims to tackle longstanding issues such as misdirected mail, emergency service delays, insurance discrepancies, and tax confusion. “For too long, mismatched

Plus +

Illinois Woman Accused of Selling Cocaine at Country Thunder Festival

Sarah L. Jackson, 34, of West Chicago in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — An Illinois woman is facing four criminal charges after allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover detective at the Country Thunder music festival in Randall. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Accused of Credit Card Fraud, Burglary Held on Dual Warrants from Wisconsin and Illinois

Rasheen D. Linder, 27, of Florida in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Florida man appeared in Kenosha County court Monday on two active warrants — one local and one from Illinois — connected to a series of alleged thefts, break-ins, and fraudulent credit card use that crossed state lines. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Man Shot Gun Near Children During Argument With Girlfriend, Prosecutors Say

Ernest Leroy Massie Jr., 35, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing a “warning shot” during an argument with his girlfriend while children were in the backseat of their vehicle, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. You must be logged in

Sex Offender With History of Child Assaults Released Into Pleasant Prairie Neighborhood

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 50-year-old man convicted of multiple sex offenses against children has been released into a residential neighborhood in Pleasant Prairie, according to a public notice issued Monday by the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Bryon P. Cibrario, who is classified as having a potential to re-offend, will be residing in the 5600 block of 85th Street following his release from

Plus +

Man Allegedly Fired Gun Near Twin Lakes Home While Intoxicated; $50,000 Bail Set

Brayden N. Jones, 23, of Oak Creek in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 23-year-old Oak Creek man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly pointing and firing a handgun near a Twin Lakes residence early Sunday morning while intoxicated, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. You must be logged in

Country Thunder Arrest: Burlington Teen Accused of Disorderly Conduct and THC Possession

RANDALL, Wis. — A Burlington teenager was charged Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with disorderly conduct, possession of THC, and misdemeanor bail jumping following an incident over the weekend at the Country Thunder music festival. Noah Michael Erskine, 18, appeared in court where Court Commissioner William Michel II set a $500 cash bail. He was also cited for underage drinking. A pre-trial

Plus +

Illinois Woman Charged After Alleged Domestic Incident at Country Thunder

Sumer Mari Perzigian, of Ingleside, Ill. in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — A 21-year-old woman from Illinois is facing two misdemeanor charges after deputies say she physically blocked her boyfriend from leaving their camper during a heated argument at the Country Thunder music festival over the weekend. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

FBI: Pleasant Prairie Man’s Child Pornography Among ‘Most Egregious’ Ever Encountered; Faces New Charges, Trial Looms

Frankie William Rosa, 32, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A Pleasant Prairie man already facing felony charges for possessing illegal images of minors is now charged in a second criminal case after federal agents uncovered what they described as some of the most disturbing material they have ever encountered. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged with Strangulation as Daughter Watched, Made Racial Slurs at Black Deputy

James R. Sanato, 47, of Illinois in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) BRISTOL, Wis. – A 47-year-old Zion, Illinois, man is facing five criminal charges in Kenosha County after allegedly strangling the mother of his child in front of their 5-year-old daughter and later making repeated racial slurs at a Black sheriff’s deputy during his arrest. You must be logged

Big Crowds, Big Fun: Das Fest Brings Gemütlichkeit to Kenosha County Fairgrounds for First Time

WILMOT, Wis. — With beer steins raised high, music in the air, and the joyful chaos of dachshunds in motion, Das Fest Wisconsin made a memorable debut at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds this weekend, drawing thousands of revelers for a celebration of all things German — and then some. Friday night’s crowd was nothing short of electric, with festivalgoers packing the grounds to

Jelly Roll Shines, Rain Falls, and Braxton Keith Impresses at 2025 Country Thunder

TWIN LAKES, Wis. – More than 100,000 people turned out for this year’s Country Thunder music festival, an annual four-day celebration of beer, boots and country music in western Kenosha County. Fans camped, danced and partied from Thursday through Sunday despite a muddy Saturday that brought rain delays and one canceled performance. Kenosha County Eye was in attendance Friday and caught rising Texas

Plus +

Hit-and-Run Driver Accused of Lying to Deputies, Violating Bond

Kadarius D. Bolden, 21, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A 21-year-old Racine man is facing three misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of a highway crash in Somers and lying to deputies during the investigation. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.