Man Drives Over 60 Small Trees, Causes $25K In Damage

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a 30-year-old man has been charged with using his vehicle to drive over dozens of small trees in three Syracuse parks and a cemetery, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Syracuse police say they started their investigation Tuesday after receiving reports of damaged trees in three city-owned parks and Rose Hill Cemetery.

Police say they found more than 60 trees knocked over. Officials say most were completely uprooted and sustained too much damage to be replanted. The trees had been planted within the past year.

Police say the estimated damage totals more than $25,000.

A Syracuse man was arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal mischief. Police say they're investigating whey he damaged the trees. He's being held Thursday in the Onondaga County Justice Center in Syracuse.