A man operating an ATV was arrested this weekend after fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle crash and damaging city property in Putnam, police said.
The Putnam Emergency Dispatch received a 911 call just after 4 p.m. on Saturday reporting a motor vehicle versus ATV crash on Providence Street in the area of the Putnam Municipal Complex, according to a release from the Putnam Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene and determined that the crash was minor in nature, police said.
According to police, the ATV reportedly pulled out into traffic from a sidewalk, then suddenly decelerated and was struck from behind by a vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The vehicle had minor damage and no injuries were reported, police said.
During the investigation, police learned that, just prior to the crash, the ATV was driving on the grounds of the Putnam Municipal Complex and caused significant damage to the lawn.
Officers were able to identify and arrest the ATV driver, 20-year-old Cody Janos of Putnam. He was charged with first-degree criminal mischief, evading responsibility, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating without a license, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, reckless driving and failure to have stop lamps or turn signals.
Janos was released on a combined $10,000 non-surety bond and was scheduled to appear in Danielson Superior Court on Jan. 8, 2025.
