Man accused of slashing tires at VFW hall

EDWARDSVILLE — A southwestern Illinois man is jailed on charges that accuse him of slashing tires at a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall after he became upset after spending his rent money there.

Madison County prosecutors on Monday charged 45-year-old Todd Taylor of Bethalto with criminal property damage.

Sheriff's Capt. Brad Wells says at least one patron of the VFW hall in Cottage Hills overheard Taylor saying he was going to slash everyone's tries there.

Wells says that when deputies later showed up, tires of five vehicles were cut, and Taylor had a knife.

Deputies also found Taylor bleeding from his mouth and head. He says patrons of the VFW assaulted him, although he refused medical treatment.