MUSKEGON, Mich. — Neighbors say a former city commissioner is accused of causing up to a thousand dollars’ worth of damage to a neighbor’s yard.
Former Muskegon City Commissioner, Steve Wisneski, was arrested Sunday night after allegedly destroying property of his neighbors. He told them it was all because they let their dog do their business on his lawn.
If you’re wondering why 84-year-old, William Mikesell, and his wife, 81-year-old, Benita, are watering their lawn at 9 p.m. at night, it’s not because they have some hidden secret to keeping their lawn looking green. Also, it’s not because they were cleaning up after the party for William’s 84th birthday with his family. It’s because they are trying to soak out the dangerous chemicals their neighbor allegedly poured on their lawn.
“He was all screaming and hollering. He had a bottle of bleach in one hand, and a bottle of grass killer in the other,” said Benita Mikesell.
The Mikesell’s and all of their extended family said they saw former city commissioner, Steve Wisneski, committing the ruthless act.
“He was swinging the bottles near my litte grand kids and great grandkids. I thought he was going to hit one of them,” said Benita.
Their daughter, Denise Chirco, says she noticed Wisneski first.
“We tried to confront him about why he was doing this and he just basically ran off. We followed him and found where he lived then we came back and called the cops on him,” said Chirco.
The evidence, a bleach bottle and weed killer bottle, sat in their driveway Sunday night. One of the neighbors even snapped a picture of his bleached pants. The Mikesell’s say that Wisneski told them it was an act based on revenge.
“He was sort of spewing nonsense about my grandfather how he always lets the dog poop on his yard,” said Brittany Macpherson, the Mikesell’s granddaughter.
The Mikesell’s believe they aren’t the only ones targeted. They told Fox 17 News that the tree that sits in their neighbor’s trash can is no coincidence.
Karen Wheeler had her pea tree cut down, a bush destroyed, and gasoline spread all over her lawn. She said she was asleep when it happened, so she didn’t catch the culprit. Wheeler reported it to the police. It happened the night before the Mikesell’s were targeted.
“I don’t know what to think,” said Wheeler.
The Mikesell’s called the Muskegon Police Sunday night. The Muskegon County Prosecutor says Wisneski was arrested Sunday night on charges of malicious destruction of property. He was put behind bars in the Muskegon County Jail for the night. He was released Monday morning, and the Mikellson’s say they don’t feel safe.
“My husband is 84-years-old and I am 81. We don’t want some mad man running around even if it’s just killing grass,” said Benita.
Muskegon County Prosecutor says Wisneski could face up to a year for each misdemeanor charge, and is due back in court for arraignment.
