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Tampa man arrested for having more than 1,000 tires in and around his home

Officials: Property is public health concern
Posted at 5:42 PM, Mar 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-23 17:42:27-04

Tampa Police arrested a man on felony littering charges for having hundreds of tires on a property he's been renting for the past 6 years.

According to code enforcement officials, 57-year-old Wendell Phomas had more than 1,000 tires in and around his home.

"That is totally unacceptable," neighbor Shawn Schuldt said.

The tires pose a public health threat in several ways. They are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos when water sits in them.

"It is a concern, especially with the Zika virus and stuff like that," Schuldt said.

Neighbors say rats have also been a problem.

"I've found 4 or 5 dead rats in my yard," Schuldt added.

Records show Phomas was cited for tires once before in 2013. According to the city, he cleared the tires away after that citation.