OKEECHOBEE — An estimated $1,500 worth of damage was caused to the Agri-Civic Center Thursday, Nov. 5 when an F-150 truck barreled through entrance gates, knocking them over 150 feet from their original location. Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Huffman responded to a call at approximately 2:30 a.m. from the Agri-Civic Center manager explaining he was contacted by on-site campers, who told him an unknown vehicle was causing damage.

When Deputy Huffman arrived, he reportedly observed a black F-150 approximately 50 feet from the nearest paved road, in a heavy brush area and stuck in mud. As the deputy approached the vehicle, he heard brush breaking nearby and illuminated the area. He reportedly saw a man he recognized as Roy Melvin, 44, Southeast 30th Street.

Melvin allegedly told Deputy Huffman that he was playing a game and others might still be around. The game consisted of being chased around Okeechobee by an unknown person in an unknown vehicle. A search of the area resulted in no proof anyone else had been there.

As Melvin was being arrested, a camper approached and told Deputy Huffman his motor home had been struck by Melvin’s vehicle. When Deputy Huffman followed the camper to his motor home, he reportedly observed fiberglass damage in the bumper area and tracks on the ground indicating a vehicle had recently driven around in circles there. The camper told Deputy Huffman he was inside his motor home when he heard a crash and felt the vehicle lurch. When he exited the motor home, he saw the F-150 pull away from the damaged area and head east, entering a large brush area, where it became stuck in the mud. He identified Melvin as the driver of the vehicle.

When Melvin was searched, Deputy Huffman reportedly found a substance identified as methamphetamine in his pocket.

Agri-Civic Center manager, Matthew Dorriety arrived and found the south access gate severely damaged and an automotive grill from a Ford truck laying in the roadway where the gates had been struck. The report notes Melvin’s truck was missing its grill and had several large gouges consistent with coming into contact with the fence.

County Administrator Robbie Chartier spoke about the incident during the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting on Nov. 5 and said the county will absolutely be pressing charges due to the extent of the damages.

Melvin was charged with possession of methamphetamine, trespassing, criminal mischief and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage. Bond was set at $6,500.