Sparta driver cited for damaging Memorial Park grass

Driver spun vehicle in grass, damaging lawn

SPARTA, Wis. (WKBT) — Sparta police cited an 18-year-old for spinning his vehicle out on the grass of Memorial Park and causing damage to the lawn.

Sparta police were called to Memorial Park on October 13 at about 2 p.m. in response to a complaint about a vehicle damaging the lawn.

Police said a witness provided a license plate number and description of the car. An officer spotted the vehicle on Black River St. and pulled the car over and made contact with the driver, Tyler J. Gebhardt.

The officer noticed grass on the hood, sides and trunk of the car. Sparta police said Gebhardt first said he had no idea how the grass got on his car, but later said he was spinning out on a friend’s yard.

Gebhardt was cited for unauthorized driving on park grounds, criminal damage to property and operating without insurance.