Charges: Man threw screws on roads, causing vehicle damage

Sherburne County prosecutors have filed felony charges against an Elk River man who admitted to throwing hundreds of screws on roads that damaged numerous vehicles.

Jeffrey Caouette, 63, was arrested Monday following hundreds of reports about vehicles damaged by running over Sheetrock screws.

According to the criminal complaint, when deputies arrested Caouette, he produced a 5-pound box of screws that matched the ones found on the road.

Caouette told investigators he threw the screws on roads near his ex-girlfriend's home to "slow down" her new relationship, the complaint says. He allegedly bought a total 12,668 sheetrock screws. The vehicles with damaged tires included three Big Lake Police Department squad cars.

He was charged on Wednesday with criminal property damage. The sheriff's office says it's likely Caouette will face additional charges.

Caouette is being held in Sherburne County Jail.