Police arrested a man after a weeks-long investigation into a destructive and dangerous driving incident that tore through parks, private property, and a closed bridge.
Waterloo police arrested Ted H. O’Connor, 45, of Canandaigua, on Jan. 20 at about 9:19 p.m. in connection with the incident. Authorities said he was already incarcerated at the Seneca County Correctional Facility when they filed the new charges.
According to the Waterloo Police Department, the case stems from an incident on Jan. 12. Investigators said O’Connor was involved in a rear-end crash that caused property damage, then fled the scene.
Police said he drove recklessly through several private properties and through a local park, damaging the grass. Officers said he then drove to a closed bridge and tried to force his way through fencing and closure signs.
Authorities estimated the damage to the bridge fencing exceeded $1,500. Police said O’Connor could not get through the bridge and continued driving through more private properties, causing additional damage.
Investigators said he eventually abandoned the vehicle in the parking lot of a local business. Law enforcement later found and impounded the vehicle.
Police said the vehicle had switched license plates and was unregistered, uninsured, and had a suspended registration. Investigators also determined O’Connor was driving with a suspended permit.
Following the investigation, police charged O’Connor with criminal mischief in the second degree, two counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, operating while registration suspended, altering notice of a bridge closure, and reckless driving. He was also cited for 17 additional traffic violations.
Police said O’Connor also had outstanding warrants from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. He is awaiting arraignment.
The Waterloo Police Department said the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
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