Man held without bail after police say he caused more than $5,000 in damages to TRAX machines

SALT LAKE CITY — A man has been arrested twice within 24 hours for allegedly damaging two ticket machines at TRAX stations.

According to a Salt Lake City Police Department news release, 66-year-old Wilbert Fike was arrested Tuesday at 3:49 a.m. Police said he was arrested for vandalizing a TRAX station machine at 55 S. Main Street at that time.

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“When officers got on scene, they saw Fike actively striking the screen of a TRAX station machine with a rock,” police said in a news release.

Fike is believed to have damaged up to four machines at that TRAX station. 

“The estimated cost of damages totaled approximately $2,000. Officers booked Fike into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail accused of criminal mischief,” police said.

SLCPD said Fike was released from jail sometime after his first arrest. 

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“Less than 24 hours later, on [Wednesday] at approximately 1:19 a.m., SLCPD officers responded to another report of vandalism at a different TRAX station — this time located at 450 S Main Street.”

Police identified the vandal as Fike and proceeded to arrest him again. He was booked on charges of criminal mischief and interfering with critical infrastructure.

Police said the damages caused by Fike exceeded $5,000 and that Fike is being held without bail.

“While being driven to jail, Fike allegedly made statements regarding his court appearance,” SLCPD said. “Due to the nature of the allegations and their impact, officers requested continued detention.

Kennedy Camarena is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio.