PUTNEY — A Putney man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop in December, striking another vehicle, and eluding law enforcement on foot and by all-terrain vehicle, authorities said.
The Windham County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at about 6:05 p.m. Dec. 20 on Main Street.
The driver did not stop, turned around in the Sunoco gas station, and then accelerated north on U.S. Route 5 before returning to Main Street.
After exiting the parking lot, the fleeing vehicle struck another car at the intersection of Landing Road, Carol Brown Way, and Main Street.
No injuries were reported.
The suspect vehicle continued north on Main Street and stopped near the Putney Library, where the driver ran from the scene, according to deputies.
A search of the area led deputies to an address on Shag Bark Hill, where they believed the suspect fled a residence into the woods using an ATV.
Following months of investigation, deputies identified the driver as Stephen R. Mecheski, 21, of Putney.
He was interviewed and arrested on Feb. 20, authorities said.
Mecheski was cited to appear in court on April 29 on charges of eluding law enforcement, gross negligent operation, and leaving the scene of a crash.
