BRASHER, N.Y. — A Malone man was arrested Friday night after allegedly entering private property and stealing a mule, according to the New York State Police.
Mark W. Darby, 50, is facing charges of third-degree criminal trespass (a B misdemeanor) and fourth-degree grand larceny (an E felony). Troopers say they responded around 11 p.m. to a burglary-in-progress call on State Highway 37C in the town of Brasher.
An investigation revealed that Darby had entered a fenced area on the victim’s property and took the mule without permission. A short time later, troopers observed Darby walking the mule along the roadside on Route 37C.
He was taken into custody and processed at the Massena State Police station. Darby was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Brasher Town Court in June.
Authorities confirmed that the mule was safely returned to its rightful owner.
