Elderly Man Charged for Using Ice Pick to Slash Bingo Enemy’s Tires

Fred Smith was not joining in the birthday celebration of 88-year-old Ethel Britt. The 82-year-old man became upset when Britt reportedly took his seat at a local bingo hall. Florida’s Lake Ashton Club House hosts the bingo games. Both Britt and Smith regularly attend the club house for a game of fun. Last week, Smith apparently became enraged when he noticed Britt had taken his favorite seat.

Angry, he left the building and went out into the parking lot. There surveillance footage caught the man reviewing Britt’s vehicle, before making his way over to his own car.

Smith removed an item, later identified as an ice pick, from his vehicle and headed back to Britt’s vehicle. He was seen slashing at two of the tires, seeking revenge for what he considered a betrayal. Smith left the scene but not before he was captured for his misgivings. Lake Wales police officers visited Smith’s home after the club house turned over the video. Per officers, he admitted to the crime and was apologetic.

Officers placed Smith into custody. He was charged with one count of criminal mischief, and may face restitution of $500 or more to replace Britt’s tires.

Britt admitted she has no hard feelings for Smith, but was just confused why he did it. She shared she always makes friends, and this would be her first time having an enemy. The bingo player said she was not mad at Smith, but would like her tires paid for, especially since they “took every dime I had in the bank.”

Smith posted bail shortly after being arrested. Lake Ashton Club House has banned him from the building, and all future bingo games.