Police say Dunkin' Donuts clerk slashed customer's tires
By Norman Miller - MetroWest Daily News

Natick, MA

Instead of getting a coffee from Dunkin' Donuts Tuesday, police say, a customer got his four tires slashed by an angry clerk.

The coffee shop clerk, Thomas J. Zazulak, 39, of Framingham, was arrested at 4:17 p.m. after he slashed four tires on a Jeep Wrangler at the Dunkin' Donuts at 1362 Worcester St., Lt. Brian Grassey said.

The victim, whom police did not name, had ordered coffee, but felt the clerk, Zazulak, was taking too long and decided to leave, which sparked an argument between the pair.

"There was a long line, and after waiting in line, (the victim), ordered a coffee," Grassey said. "He felt it had taken the clerk a substantial amount of time to prepare it, so he decided he had waited long enough and left. The clerk took exception. Words were exchanged. (Zazulak) followed him outside, and continued with the disagreement."

Zazulak was the only one working at the time, and other customers remained in line while the employee continued arguing with the unhappy customer.

The argument took a turn when Zazulak took a large folding knife from his back pocket, Grassey said.

"He slashed all four of the tires," the lieutenant said. "He slashed the tires on the left side of the Jeep, then he went around slashed the tires on the right side. He put the knife back in his pocket, walked away and continued to serve customers."

When police arrived, several witnesses, including children, confirmed the customer's story. Zazulak was arrested.

Zazulak, of 12 Dotty Ann Drive, was charged with malicious and wanton and destruction of property and disturbing the peace while armed.

Zazulak is scheduled to be arraigned today in Natick District Court.