WATERTOWN -- 27-year-old Fort Drum soldier Daniel J. Longnecker, of 10863A Omaha Street in Fort Drum was arrested for DWI, theft of a motor vehicle and multiple counts of vandalism on Saturday, according to the New York State Police.
Police say that Longnecker allegedly stole a 2009 Mercury Mariner from Utah Street on Fort Drum and was involved in several hit and run accidents on post. He then drove the damaged vehicle to to Allen's Budget Motel on State Route 342 in the Town of Pamelia and, after abandoning the vehicle, smashed the rear window of a 2004 Subaru Legacy that was parked at the motel. After that, he entered the Subaru and caused more damage to the gear shift by forcing it out of park.
Longnecker fled into the woods as police approached Allen's Motel. He exited the wooded area a short distance away and damaged a home on State Route 37 by breaking off the door handle.
State troopers and Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies continued to search the area and he was found in the parking lot of the state police barracks and was witnessed by police causing damage to two vehicles at that location.
Longnecker attempted to run but was arrested after a brief foot pursuit.
Longnecker was arraigned in the Town of LeRay Court on charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, three counts of Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree and one count of Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree. He was sent to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
More vehicle and traffic charges are expected and Longnecker also faces charges on Fort Drum due to his driving incidents before leaving the post.
