Police: Man Used Christmas Tree to Smash Windows

A homeless man was arrested on Sunday after allegedly smashing windows on West Street with a Christmas tree and causing about $500 worth of damage.

Mark Ricard, 56, was arrested on April 5, 2015, and charged with criminal mischief.

According to police, officers were sent to West Street in Manchester for a report of a disorderly man damaging property.

When they arrived, they found a smashed window with the assailant fleeing the scene. The man, Ricard, was found later on Blaine Street lying on the side of the riverbank along the Piscataquog. An officer reportedly saw that the man had blood on both hands.

The officer requested that he stand up and come to him so they could speak about the incident but Ricard allegedly refused to stand up and walk up from the river. Two officers later went down to the edge of the riverbank and retrieved Ricard.

The officers returned to West Street and spoke to the owner of the building who stated that the damage to two windows would be about $500. Officers were unable to find out why Ricard allegedly smashed the windows. He was arrested and charged. Ricard is due in court today.

According to reports on Concord Patch, Ricard has been arrested a number of times in the capital city in the past, including robbery and theft. 

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.