Wareham Man Accused of Vandalism, Gunning ATV at Victim

An East Wareham man is accused of driving his ATV on private property, smashing the window of a house, gunning the vehicle at a person who confronted him, and resisting arrest when tracked down by police.

Early Saturday Wareham police responded to Plymouth Avenue for a vandalism call. A man had reportedly driven a four-wheeler on private property and began punching the side of a house. The suspect allegedly accelerated the vehicle at someone, forcing that person to jump out of the way. The suspect then fled the scene, according to Wareham Police Chief John Walcek.

Police identified the suspect as Alexander J. Clarke, 22, of 213 Park Avenue. When officers went to his home to speak with him, no one answered the door. However, officers say they did observe the so-called "Gator" off-road vehicle in the man's yard.

Later, at about 3 a.m., a police sergeant returned to the suspect’s residence and "was immediately confronted by Clarke, who was hostile and belligerent," Walcek said. The sergeant reportedly tried to calm the suspect, but he allegedly refused to cooperate and resisted arrest before being placed in handcuffs.

Clarke was transported to police headquarters, where he was later bailed pending an appearance in court on a future date. Clarke is charged with reckless operation of a recreational vehicle, assault with a dangerous weapon, vandalism of property, trespassing with a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest.