Two Oxford men were apprehended for allegedly causing $5,000 in damage to a Sumter County water runoff area while driving off-road vehicles.
Ernest “Pete” Alvie Buchanan, 49, and Carmen Kenneth Galati, 43, are facing felony criminal mischief charges as a result of the incident, which occurred late on August 29.
According to Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrest papers, County Administrator Bradley Arnold filed a complaint after spotting the damage near the intersection of County Roads 475 and 245 East in Oxford.
Security camera footage two unregistered side-by-side vehicles driving into the county’s designated right-of-way and water runoff area. The film shows the vehicles traveling in circles across the lawn.
A deputy investigated the scene and discovered tracks about 2 feet deep, as well as evidence of puddling caused by the heavy tires. The tracks appeared to be deliberate, as they began and ended in the grass rather than following a direct line from the road.
A witness told deputies that Buchanan’s vehicle became trapped in a ditch on the county right-of-way that nite. Buchanan later allegedly apologized to a neighbor, and witnesses confirmed that both men participated in the off-road ride.
The county’s assistant public works director projected that the in-house repair costs for the damaged right-of-way would be $5,000.
Both guys were arrested at the Sumter County Detention Center and released after posting $2,500 bonds apiece.
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