Christmas vandals stopped by police

Salem Editor — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:16:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

Several young people are facing criminal charges after a Windham resident reported that Christmas decorations were vandalized and stolen at his home. A car fitting the description of the one in which the suspects drove away failed to stop for Windham police.

The homeowner called police around 2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, to report that suspects had just damaged Christmas decorations and stolen a reindeer lawn ornament at his 32 Marblehead Road home.

The man told police the suspects had fled in a dark-colored sports utility vehicle heading toward Range Road.

Officer David Comeau saw a green Ford Explorer quickly traveling east on Range Road and tried to stop the car. The driver did not stop, turning south on North Policy Street and driving faster than 70 mph.

Salem police were alerted and sent officers to the area. The driver stopped at the intersection of North Policy and Main streets in Salem.

The driver, a 16-year-old Pelham girl, faces charges of disobeying a police officer, reckless driving and liability for conduct of another. She is free on personal recognizance bail and is due in Salem District Court on Jan. 22.

“She ... put her passengers at risk,” said Windham Police Capt. Carl Wagner. “That was the most disturbing part of this.”

Passengers in the vehicle included Robin Hibbert, 18, Leblanc Road, Pelham, and Mark Basnett, 17, Nashua Road, Dracut, Mass., along with two Salem boys. Criminal charges are pending against them.

Wagner said police believe more than one residence was vandalized.

Windham News : Christmas vandals

Christmas vandals stopped by police