LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — Lancaster police announced charges have been filed in connection to vandalism at Russell Salvatore's Patriots and Heroes Park in March.
According to police, 20-year-old Michael L. Stasiuk was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He was arraigned and released under supervision. He will return to court on May 11 for further proceedings.
Flags, light fixtures, and displays including "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," "Battle of the Bulge," and "America The Land We Love" were damaged on March 2. The district attorney's office said damage was estimated at $121,900.
Stasiuk is accused of causing the damage with his fists, rocks, and a pipe and then driving his vehicle around the grounds. According to the district attorney's office, a search warrant was executed and police allegedly found items from the park inside his vehicle.
A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victims, which orders Stasiuk to stay away from the park and their business.
Salvatore established the Patriots and Heroes Park more than a decade ago to honor veterans and first responders.
The district attorney's office said Stasiuk was also arraigned in connection to a second, separate criminal case that occurred on March 3 on the following:
- One count of second-degree assault
- One count of resisting arrest (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- One count of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration
- Three counts of disorderly conduct (violations)
- One count of second-degree harassment
According to the district attorney's office, Stasiuk is accused of running in front of a police vehicle and yelling obscenities at an officer that was responding to a check the welfare of a pedestrian. When the officer exited his vehicle to talk to him, Stasiuk allegedly ran into the middle of the street and another officer used his vehicle to prevent him from being struck by oncoming traffic.
When police attempted to take him into custody, Stasiuk allegedly attempted to flee and refused orders and fought with the officer. He is accused of biting the officer's hand while resisting arrest. He was then tased and taken into custody. He is also scheduled to return on May 11 on this case.
