Man charged after driving over stop sign and mailbox

A GARDNER man was charged with two counts of criminal damage to property and driving with a suspended license early Friday, Nov. 20.

Ryan Aichele, 20, 114 W. Washington St., Gardner, was held in the county jail in lieu of $100 bond. He was charged with damaging the yard and mailbox of Kimberly Paquette on S. Verona Road and knocking down a stop sign at Verona and Gardner Roads.

Deputy Kenneth Unland said he responded to a 911 call from 7800 S. Verona Road about 1:10 a.m., when it was reported a truck with a loud exhaust had driven through the yard and knocked down the mailbox.

The truck was last seen being driven north on Verona Road, then turning at Grand Ridge Road.

Sgt. Todd Horrie reported finding a green truck in a field about 100 yards east of Verona Road. He had it towed about 2:20 a.m.

About this time, Aichele called 911 and claimed his truck had been carjacked.

Aichele and a woman were located coming out of the field at 3240 S. Verona Road.

Deputy Unland said he knew Aichele’s license was suspended. After talking to both individuals, the deputy determined Aichele had been driving when the truck went through the yard, struck the mailbox and hit the stop sign.

The woman passenger was not charged.