Man accused of shooting up 22 cars on highways

The arsenal found at the Wilmington home of David F. Saddler (right), accused by Delaware State of riddling disabled, unoccupied cars with bullets on I-95 and I-495 from June to August, 2012.

By Peter Mucha, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: August 07, 2012

Under arrest in Delaware is a 57-year-old man accused of shooting up 22 disabled cars on I-95 and I-495 after they were left by their owners.

The cars, which had "shattered windows" and were "riddled with bullet holes," were all unoccupied during the attacks, which happened near Wilmington, mostly at night, from early June until this month, according to state police.

David F. Saddler, of Wilmington, was arrested at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, after a trooper stopped a red 2009 Hyundai Elantra that was moving slowly on the shoulder of I-495 North. Saddler, the driver, matched a description of a man in a July 30 surveillance photo.

A Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and a Remington 22-caliber rifle, both loaded, were found under a blanket on the front seat, police said. Several more handguns, a shotgun and "a large amount of ammunition" were discovered at Saddler's residence, according to authorities.

Saddler was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed deadly weapon and 20 counts of criminal mischief, including one felony charge for causing more than $5,000 in damage.

Saddler was being held at Young Correction Institution, also known as Gander Hill Prison, with cash bond set at $22,500.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.