Student arrested on additional charges related to parking garage vandalism

COLUMBIA — MU police arrested a 19-year-old MU student Tuesday on additional charges for his suspected involvement in the vandalism of more than 40 vehicles at the Virginia Avenue parking garage last week.

Matthew D. Feldewerth was arrested on three counts of first-degree tampering related to vehicle vandalism and one count of first-degree tampering related to vandalism in the Virginia Avenue Housing Complex, said MU police Capt. Brian Weimer.

Police found Feldewerth, along with Zachary T. Wayhart, Tyler D. Eckert and James Young, all 19, near the Virginia Avenue parking garage on Feb. 3, shortly after vehicles on the first and second floors and vehicles in the meter lot outside were found vandalized. Damage included slashed tires, broken antennas, dents and paint scratches.

Eckert was arrested that day on charges of first-degree tampering, second-degree tampering and minor in possession. He was released from the Boone County Jail on $10,300 bond.

Eckert was also arrested on counts of tampering for his suspected involvement in setting off a fire extinguisher in Respect Hall and the clogging of a toilet in the police department holding cell, Weimer said.

Feldewerth, Wayhart and Young were all released on summons at that time.

Wayhart was arrested Monday on three counts of first-degree tampering related to vehicle vandalism and one count of first-degree tampering related to a vandalism in the Virginia Avenue Housing Complex, according to an MU police press release.

Both Wayhart and Feldewerth are MU students.

As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, 42 vehicles have been reported vandalized to MU police, Weimer said.

Wayhart and Feldewerth were being held Tuesday at the Boone County Jail on $13,500 and $18,000 bond respectively.

Additional warrant requests have been submitted to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office as MU police continue investigating the case, Weimer said.