Night of “mudding” damages field

BY STACI WILSON

A night of “mudding” that damaged a Springville area hay field led to charges being filed in Montrose District Court and later withdrawn against a California man. But charges against two others involved in the incident are likely, said District Attorney Jason Legg.

The charge of conspiracy to commit agricultural vandalism was withdrawn Monday against Robert E. Lucio, 33, Calexico, Calif. Lucio was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Jeffrey Hollister Monday afternoon.

The charge stemmed from a Nov. 5 incident that caused about $2,000 worth of damage to a hay field off Garrison Rd., owned by James and Tina Rogers.

The Rogers discovered a truck being operated in their field, just after 10 p.m.

Ms. Rogers attempted to get the vehicle’s licenses plate number by driving up behind the vehicle on an ATV.

According to the affidavit, the vehicle, described as a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee, was driven back onto the roadway and the front seat passenger fired four shots from a semi-automatic pistol out the window.

The police investigation revealed three people were in the vehicle at the time.

According to the police affidavit, the vehicle is owned by Jason Browning, Springville.

Browning admitted to police that he and two others agreed to go “mudding” and were driving on fields. He also admitted a handgun was fired from the vehicle.

Charges have not yet been filed against anyone else involved in the incident.