Community Corner

Cops: Pair Goes on Street Sign, Mailbox-Smashing Spree

Two men were arrested Friday and each charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief for allegedly destroying a number of mailboxes and street signs around town, Darien police said Monday. 

According to Det. Mark Cappelli, a homeowner along Edgerton Street contacted police on June 28 to reported two men had committed vandalism to his mailbox and, when he confronted them about it, one of the suspects took a swing at him. 

The suspects, identified as Christopher Stile, 20, of 109 Raymond Street, and Benjamin Preston, 19, of 383 Wells Lane, reportedly fled the scene after Stiles attempted to hit the homeowner, though Stiles lost his shirt when he had to wiggle out of it as the homeowner grabbed him trying to flee, according to Cappelli. 

Officers responding to the call discovered a street sign, including its cement base, lying in the street. A canvas of the area led police to the discovery of several mailboxes and street signs along Edgerton Street, Holly Lane and Middlesex Road had been destroyed or vandalized. 

Preston was located by police, based on his description from the complainant, at the intersection of West Avenue and Ridgeley Street, Cappelli said. Stiles was located at Heights Road and Hollow Tree Ridge Road, still shirtless, he said. Neither was found to be in possession of any weapons or tools. 

Preston was charged with interfering with an officer, second degree reckless endangerment and nine counts of second-degree criminal mischief. A court date was set of July 10. 

Stile was also charged with interfering with an officer, second-degree reckless endangerment, nine counts of second-degree criminal mischief and an additional charge of second-degree breach of peace. He was also issued a July 10 court date. 
Both parties posted bond of $500. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here