The Venice Police Department arrested Randy Brinson, 43, of Sarasota County, on Aug. 27 in connection with the destruction of a mature oak tree in Patriots Park at the site of the Aug. 17 fatal crash.

 

During an interview, Brinson told VPD detectives that a friend of one of the decedents involved in the Aug. 17 crash paid him to cut down the tree. Brinson admitted that he attempted to cut it down on Aug. 21 but was unsuccessful. He returned during daylight hours on Aug. 26 and finished cutting it down. Numerous nearby diners and passersby witnessed the incident and provided descriptions and photos. Investigators combined that information with Flock camera data to confirm Brinson’s identity.

 

Brinson was arrested and charged with criminal mischief involving damage of $1,000 or more, a third-degree felony. The oak tree’s replacement value is estimated at approximately $50,000.

 

“We understand that people experience and express grief differently, but damaging public property and a memorial site is never an acceptable response. Anyone found responsible for intentionally destroying public property will be held accountable,” said Venice Police Captain Eric Hill.

 

The Venice Police Department thanks the community for their assistance in identifying Brinson. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law