St. Clair Shores

Man accused of running over geese

By Kristyne E. Demske
C & G Staff Writer

A 69-year-old man was arraigned Aug. 15 in front of 40th District Court Judge Mark Fratarcangeli on charges that he used his pickup truck to intentionally kill two geese.

Police Detective Margaret Eidt said a postal carrier watched Richard Lesko drive his pickup truck intentionally into a flock of geese that were crossing the road in front of his home in the 22000 block of Lange Aug. 9.

“They’re just crossing the street,” Eidt said. “He said it was an accident, that they flew into his car. This is a crime that I would expect a 16-, 17-year-old kid to do — not a 69-year-old man to do.”

The witness told police that Lesko allegedly struck and killed one goose as he drove through the flock, then turned his vehicle around and drove through the flock another time, killing a second goose. He then allegedly returned to his home, grabbed a garbage can and put the geese in it.

Macomb County Prosecutor Dean Alan issued a two-count warrant for Lesko’s arrest for animal killing/torture, a four-year felony. Lesko was arrested Aug. 14.

Eidt said she was appalled at the incident and said in the time she’s been on the St. Clair Shores police force, she has never heard of “anyone doing something like this.”

Lesko was given a bond of $10,000 or 10 percent and will be in court again Aug. 24.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1041.