Crime & Safety
Police Reports: Church Lawnmower Bursts into Flames
A groundskeeper for St. Jude Church had to hop off his industrial mower when it caught fire, the owner of Dr. Mike's Ice Cream was arrested for breach of peace, a car was stolen and recovered, and $800 worth of equipment was reported stolen.
The following information was supplied by the Monroe Police Department. No arrested person is guilty until so judged in a court of law.
Lawnmower is Toast
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A 68-year-old man who has been taking care of 's lawn at 707 Monroe Turnpike for years was riding on a Scag industrial mower at around 3:05 p.m. on May 3 when it burst into flames, according to police.
He managed to get off the mower without any injuries and Monroe firefighters extinguished the flames, police said, adding the $8,000 lawnmower is "toast."
Find out what's happening in Monroewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Breach of Peace
The owner of , 444 Main Street, allegedly pointed at and threatened a 52-year-old woman opening a new business next door after she moved one of his tables.
Joseph Plescia, 44, of Pepperidge Road was charged with breach of peace and released on a promise to appear in court on May 15.
When questioned, police said Plescia told officers nothing happened and there was no argument. However, witnesses backed up the woman's story leading to his arrest, according to the report.
A Stolen Vehicle
A 2003 Chevy Tahoe was reported stolen on Brushy Court May 4. Police said the owner had parked it in her driveway at 11:30 the night before and discovered the theft that morning.
On May 6, Bridgeport police officers recovered the Chevy on Bennett Street at 12:15 a.m.
Stolen Landscaping Equipment
Landscaping tools with a total value of $800 were reported stolen May 5 from a unit at Cube Smart Storage, 873 Main Street.
Police said the theft took place sometime between Dec. 15 and May 4, adding there were no signs of forced entry and the owner told them the same lock was on his storage unit.
The victim, a 67-year-old Hawleyville man, reported a $200 weed whacker, a $200 blower, a $100 chainsaw and a $300 chainsaw stolen, according to the report.
Attempted Burglary?
An Old Highway man told police he was watching TV on April 29 when his dog started barking shortly after midnight. The next day he was mulching his yard when he found a pair of multi-tool pliers on the ground beneath a window.
Police said there was no evidence of entry or attempted entry to the house.
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