Charges in vandalism of writer's car

The District Attorney's Office issued an arrest warrant Friday for Daniel Hazlett, 21, charging him in connection with the vandalism done to a car belonging to a Montreal Gazette writer who was covering an NHL playoff game last month at the Wachovia Center, according to Philadelphia police Detective Anthony Vega.

The car, a 1999 Honda Accord belonging to Pat Hickey, had about $1,000 of damage and its Quebec license plate stolen during Game 1 of the conference finals, May 16. The Flyers defeated Montreal that night, 6-0.

After an investigation by Philadelphia police, the District Attorney's Office found enough evidence to approve the warrant, Vega said. He said Hazlett was charged with theft, theft from a motor vehicle, and criminal mischief.

Hazlett, who resides in Northeast Philadelphia, is expected to turn himself in to police, Vega said.

Hickey has said he would not press charges, but wanted the guilty person to donate $1,000 to a Philadelphia charity. Police Lt. Joe Dougherty said it would send "a wrong message" if the person was not arrested. - Sam Carchidi