GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A Bernardston man was arrested and is facing multiple charges after the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield sustained several thousands of dollars in damage Tuesday evening.
A vendor cleaning up after the recently completed Franklin County Fair reported an erratic driver entering the fairgrounds at about 7:45 p.m., carving several ruts in the infield, breaking a water line, destroying a bench, and causing extensive damage to a perimeter fence.
Franklin County Agricultural Society President Michael Nelson says it appears this was not a targeted attack.
“It seems like this was a crime of opportunity”, said Nelson. “The driver had been driving carelessly around town, and law enforcement had previously received some calls about this person.”
Nelson said there was about $5,000 worth of damage. A license plate was noted and reported to police, who apprehended the suspect a short time later at the Lipton Mart on the Mohawk Trail. Greenfield Police said the suspect was then brought to the hospital after reporting a medical emergency.
25-year-old Jaxon Hadfield of Bernardston will be summoned to court on charges of leaving the scene of a property damage accident, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, possession of an open container of alcohol, and improper storage of a firearm.