A Canandaigua man has been arrested following a weeks-long investigation into a destructive and dangerous driving incident that damaged private property, a public park, and a closed bridge in Waterloo.
45-year-old Ted O’Connor was arrested by Waterloo police on Jan. 20 in connection with the incident. Authorities said O’Connor was already incarcerated at the Seneca County Correctional Facility when the new charges were filed.
According to the Waterloo Police Department, the investigation stems from a Jan. 12 incident in which he is accused of being involved in a rear-end crash that caused property damage before fleeing the scene.
Investigators said he then drove recklessly through several private properties and through a local park, damaging the grass. O’Connor later drove to a closed bridge and attempted to force his way through fencing and closure signs.
Damage to the bridge fencing is estimated to exceed $1,500. O’Connor was unable to get through the bridge and continued driving through additional private properties, causing further damage.
Investigators said O’Connor eventually abandoned the vehicle in the parking lot of a local business. The vehicle was later located and impounded by law enforcement.
The vehicle had switched license plates and was unregistered, uninsured, and had a suspended registration. Investigators also determined O’Connor was driving with a suspended permit.
Following the investigation, O’Connor was charged with criminal mischief in the second degree, two counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, operating while registration suspended, altering notice of a bridge closure, and reckless driving. He was also cited for 17 additional traffic violations.
In addition, police report O’Connor had outstanding warrants from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and is awaiting arraignment.
The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
