Arrest Made After Maidstone Ball Field Damaged

In the midst of the East Hampton Little League season, the ball field at Maidstone Park was severely damaged overnight, causing the league to move games and practices because of the vandalism.

A 24-year-old East Hampton man was behind the wheel of a car doing donuts on the grassy field, leaving behind tire marks and ruining the field for Little Leaguers, according to East Hampton Town Police Detective Sgt. Dan Toia. Police received a call about what was happening in the Springs park around 12:30 a.m. on Friday and were given a description of the vehicle and a partial plate number. Patrol officers arrested Nelson A. Arcila-Lopez nearby in Maidstone Park at about 1:30 a.m.

Mr. Arcila-Lopez was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief and released on an appearance ticket. He will be arraigned in East Hampton Town Justice Court at a later date.

Charges could be upgraded depending on the final amount in damages, Detective Toia said. The case report was still being completed and no other information was available.

"The Maidstone field is unplayable for the rest of the year and any practices that are on the field need to be moved or canceled," the Little League Board said in a message sent to coaches Friday morning.

Games have been moved around and practices have been canceled as the league is down one field. A game that had been scheduled at Maidstone Park at 5:30 on Friday evening was moved to the Pantigo west field in East Hampton.