Schools

Men Arrested in Vandalism of Milford Athletic Fields

Two men were arrested by Milford Police early Sunday, just hours before graduation, after they reportedly drove a Jeep over several athletic fields, including the new football field.

Two men face felony vandalism charges after they were arrested after riding in a Jeep Grand Cherokee over the Milford athletic fields, according to police arrest reports.

The vandalism included extensive damage to the grassy areas surrounding parking lots at , and to an access gate and section of fence protecting the new turf football field.

The artificial turf field, valued at $1 million, will be evaluated by contractors for damage but appeared to have minor cosmetic damage, according to the police documents.

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The arrests and vandalism came just hours before the but did not disrupt the ceremonies. Workers re-installed a section of fencing separating the field from the bleachers, and put up a temporary fence over the section where the Jeep entered the field.

Police responded to the high school at 1:41 a.m. Sunday, after getting a report that a Jeep was "doing donuts and diving erratically on track and field" at the school.

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Police arrested Jeffery Vanzile, 29, of 122 Highland St., Milford, on charges of disturbing the peace, malicious destruction of property more than $250, and disorderly conduct.

Brent Nichols, 28, of 39 Main St., Apt. L, Blackstone, was arrested and charged with trespass, malicious destruction of property more than $250, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

The malicious destruction of property charge is a felony.

According to the police narrative for the arresting officer, the Jeep was stopped after it attempted to flee the field. "The suspect vehicle passed the access gate, then reversed direction, came back to the access gate, hit the fence and attempted to flee," wrote Jeanne Van Patten-Steiger.

In taking Nichols to police headquarters for booking, Van Patten-Steiger said she observed  "a strong odor of alcoholic beverage" coming from the rear of the cruiser, according to the arrest report. Nichols failed two field sobriety tests, she wrote, and also a portable breath test.


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