Sheriff: Spray-Paint Incident on Route 312 Leads to Arrest

A 61-year-old Southeast man, who is accused of spray-painting a car and later fleeing from police, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges, officials say.

Deputy Paul Piazza arrested James P. Cullen, Jr., of Route 312, the morning of Feb. 24, according to a recently released statement from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

"Upon arrival, the complainant reported that he had witnessed that a neighbor had sprayed black paint on the complainant’s car," police said. "The neighbor was identified as James P. Cullen, Jr., ... After taking an initial report, the deputy approached Mr. Cullen in order to interview him in connection with the incident. Upon observing the deputy’s approach, Mr. Cullen attempted to flee the area in his vehicle. The deputy initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle and determined that Mr. Cullen was intoxicated."

Cullen is facing a felony charge of third-degree criminal mischief, as well as the following misdemeanor charges: driving while intoxicated and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

Following arraignment, the defendant was sent to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $500 cash or $1,000 bond bail, pending a future court appearance.

Editor's note: The Sheriff's Office provided this information. It does not indicate a conviction.