BROOKINGS – A suspected case of intentionally-loosened lug nuts on a vehicle in Volga is being investigated by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident involved a tire coming off a vehicle on Wednesday evening in the 100 block of Kasan Avenue, according to a news release from Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring. A juvenile who was driving the vehicle noticed odd sounds coming from the vehicle; when the driver stopped to do an inspection, the tire fell off, according to Sebring.

It appeared that someone intentionally loosened all of the lug nuts, Sebring reported, and that it had occurred sometime in the last year.

“The driver was able to repair the vehicle and call for an investigation as there was no apparent reason, other than tampering, for the wheel to have fallen off,” Sebring said in the release.

Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $850, and the sheriff’s office is continuing its investigation.

As a safety precaution, the sheriff’s office wants the public to ensure the safety of their vehicle prior to getting on the road. According to the release, tires and fasteners should be checked for damage, wear and tampering. If damage is found which may have been intentional, call dispatch at 605-692-2113 and an officer will meet with you.

The sheriff’s office received numerous reports of individuals loosening or removing lug nuts on vehicles in the Volga area in October, and the action was believed to be part of a TikTok challenge.

Anyone with any information about this case can call the sheriff’s office at 605-696-8300 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by visiting www.brookingsareacrimestoppers.com or by calling 605-692-STOP (7867).