(WWTI) -- State Police arrested 27 year old Daniel Longnecker, of Omaha St, Fort Drum, for DWI, theft of a motor vehicle and multiple counts of vandalism.
Longnecker was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (MISDEMEANOR), 1 count of Grand Larceny 3rd Degree (D FELONY), 3 counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree(E FELONIES), and 1 count of Criminal Mischief 4th Degree (A MISDEMEANOR).
Investigators say Longnecker stole a 2009 Mercury Mariner from Utah Street on Fort Drum, NY, and was then involved in several hit and run accidents while on post.
Longnecker then drove the damaged vehicle to Allen’s Budget Motel on State Route 342 in the Town of Pamelia. He abandoned the '09 Mariner and then damaged a 2004 Subaru Legacy which was parked at the motel, by smashing the rear window of the vehicle. He then entered the Subaru and caused additional damage to the gear shift by forcing the vehicle from park. As police approached Allen’s Motel, Longnecker fled into a wooded area.
After exiting the wooded area a short distance away, Longnecker then damaged the front door of a nearby residence on State Route 37 by breaking off the door handle. He was unable to make access to that residence. As State Troopers and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies continued to search the area, Longnecker was then located in the parking lot of the State Police barracks on State Route 37. It was at that time that Longnecker was witnessed by police to be causing additional damage to 2 vehicles at that location.
Longnecker again attempted to flee but was taken into custody by patrols after a brief foot pursuit. Longnecker was arraigned on the above charges in the Town of Leray Court, and remanded to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.
As the investigation is continuing, additional vehicle and traffic charges are expected. Longnecker also faces charges on Fort Drum relative to his driving prior to leaving post.
