A local man is accused of causing $1,200 worth of damage to an alfalfa field near a southwest Salina housing development.
Officers were called to the area of the 1400 block of Glenshire Avenue at 7 p.m. Wednesday for the report of damage to property and trespassing, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.
A witness told police that a male in a blue Ford Ranger with numerous stickers on the rear window and tailgate was driving through an alfalfa field south and west of the housing development, Forrester said. The owner of the property estimated damage to the field at $1,200, he added.
Officers also were told that the pickup is frequently seen at a residence in the 1200 block of Flint Street, Forrester said. When officers arrived at the Flint Street address, a blue pickup driven by Kirk Whelchel, 49, of Salina, drove up, he said. The pickup was making muddy tracks and had grass in its wheel wells, Forrester noted.
Whelchel, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.
•Felony damage to property
•Trespassing
•Improper driving on laned roadways
•DUI