Drunk man destroys neighbor's yard

WAKEMAN, Ohio - Huron County Sheriff's Deputies had their hands full on Friday, after learning that a man driving a bulldozer was terrorizing a local neighborhood in Wakeman Township.

Officials say Robert Tite, 57, destroyed a neighbor's property Friday after plowing through the yard, taking down several trees and damaging the grass.

"He's tearing across the yard right now! I went down to stop him. He acts like he's out of his freakin' mind!," said an upset neighbor in a call to Huron County emergency dispatch.

Huron County Sheriff's Capt. Ted Patrick said deputies responded after receiving a call from the neighbors at 2814 Chenango Road.

"When deputies made contact with him, he stated he would not be taken into custody (and) he began running," Patrick said. "They asked him several times to stop, had to force him to the ground and took him into custody."

Deputies responded and found Tite riding the bulldozer, knocking down trees and ruining yards.

"The officers said that he appeared to be highly intoxicated, strong odor of alcoholic beverage and speech was slurred," said Major Greg Englund, Huron County Sheriff's Department.

Major Englund says that a chase ensued and Tite jumped from the bulldozer and took off running. Officers say Tite's hands were in his pockets and he refused to take them out.

Deputies say they had to wrestle Tite to the ground before he was taken into custody. Tite has now been charged with OVI, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.

Tite was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, reckless operation, resisting arrest and criminal damaging. He was released from jail after posting an $18,000 bond, according to a Huron County jail spokesman.

Tite pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday in Norwalk Municipal Court.

The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for July 21.

Major Englund says this case could have been much worse and it is definitely a first, for Huron County.

"We've had people we've arrested for OVI on lawnmowers, but as far as something this big, yes, it's a first," said Englund.

Patrick said the man was arrested earlier this year for disorderly conduct by intoxication.

( The Sandusky Register, a FOX Toledo News media partner and WJW-TV FOX Cleveland contributed to this report)