Driver damages lawn, lights before opening
Marion police officers arrested a man July 10 for causing damage to the lawn and walkway at Marion City Library earlier that day.
Police Chief David Mayfield said Brad Cutter, 29, of Marion was taken into custody on a felony charge of criminal damage to property.
Police say Cutter went from Third Street behind the cooperative elevator and across the lawn before going off a curb onto Fourth Street.
It left deep ruts in the earth, from which grass is germinating. Two light poles also were snapped from their bases. The poles dot the edges of a walkway on the east side of the library.
Officers said tire tracks and paint scrapings match Cutter's car, which also was heavily spattered with mud.
"Where else are you going to get mud all over your car?" Mayfield said.
Cutter's car was damaged when it struck the light posts, which are mounted on concrete pillars, Mayfield added.
He was taken into custody about 3 p.m. The incident occurred about 1:15 a.m., Mayfield said.
The incident happened just a few days before the library's grand opening. Damage repairs are estimated at $800 to $1,000. The felony arrest is because damage is greater than $500, Mayfield said.
