Ethel Britt was celebrating her 88th birthday at a weekly bingo game in Florida on Thursday, when a fellow bingo player stormed out and slashed her car's tires with an ice pick, according to police.
The alleged culprit, 82-year-old Fred Smith, was arrested by the Lake Wales police and charged with "criminal mischief to a vehicle," a local Fox affiliate reported.
Smith reportedly told authorities that he had committed the crime as retribution for Britt sitting in his favorite bingo seat. He said he was now embarrassed and regretted his actions.
Smith has since been released, but could face a fine of $500 for tire damage and restitution.
"I didn't know [the seat] meant that much to him to do that to my tires," Britt told the Fox affiliate.
Although she has no hard feelings, Britt said she remains a bit puzzled.
"I thought everybody was my friend, but undoubtedly I have one enemy," Britt said.
She said she hopes Smith pays for her tire repair, as fixing them took "every dime [she] had in the bank."
