3 Charged With Taking Golf Cart Joyride In Washington Co.
PETERS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Three men are facing charges for allegedly stealing two golf carts from a Washington County golf course for a joyride over the weekend.
Last Saturday night, it was too dark to follow the little white balls at the Scenic Valley Golf Course in Finleyville. But that didn't stop the three friends from allegedly commandeering golf carts and going on a romp.
"They were able to dislodge the fence crossing the driveway, and were able to gain entry that way," says Peters Township Police Chief Harry Fruecht.
Michael Stenger, and Eugene Brown, both of Venetia, and their friend, Daniel Chapman, of Eighty-Four, are all 24 years of age.
"Subsequently, one was observed driving on a cul-de-sac with that cart," says Chief Fruecht.
Peters Township police officers got the call just before 10:30 p.m. The tipster actually ran after the guys in the club carts.
"He was a jogger and he followed them, and he wore them out I think," Chief Fruecht said.
According to the criminal complaint, Stenger lost control, crashed the cart and ditched it near a maintenance building.
"He was found to be intoxicated, and upon searching his person we found a pipe and marijuana," said Chief Fruecht.
Chapman also fled the scene, but was tracked down later.
"The first guy rolled over on the second guy," Chief Fruecht said.
Not literally rolled over, just pointed a finger at Chapman. Then, there was a video.
"We saw two individuals in one cart of the intoxicated person, and we knew it wasn't the other guy we had," Chief Fruecht said. "That led to the arrest of the third individual."
And what about the red Porsche found parked nearby?
"Belonged to mom and dad," Chief Fruecht said.
Actually, the golf carts are not toys - each cost about $4,500.
Stenger, Chapman and Brown are facing charges of trespassing, theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Stenger has additional DUI and drug charges.
They all made bond and are out of the Washington County Jail.
They have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 7.
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