Preliminary reckless driving charges have been filed against a Worthington man after he allegedly drove in someone’s yard on April 26. 

Worthington Police Chief Jacob Gambill was dispatched to a Foster Avenue residence after a complaint was made alleging a male subject – later identified as Todd Vandeventer – had driven into his neighbor’s yard while the neighbor was mowing. 

Upon arrival at the scene, the neighbor said he was mowing his yard when Vandeventer drove by. The neighbor alleged Vandeventer flipped him off and drove into his yard. Security footage provided by the neighbor showed a dark-colored vehicle driving toward the residence. According to the probable cause affidavit, the vehicle looked similar to one owned by Vandeventer and his wife. Camera footage showed the vehicle, previously parked on State Road 67 next to Buds and Blooms, turning north in front of the residence. The vehicle traveled north a short distance before veering off the roadway in front of the neighbor as he was mowing. The probable cause affidavit noted that all four tires of Vandeventer’s truck exited the roadway and were in the yard. 

The neighbor, according to the probable cause, told the officer there is an ongoing dispute over a portion of the county road that runs east and west between his property and the highway. He alleged the Vandeventers believe that section of the road is not a county road, but rather a part of their property. The issue has been in civil litigation since 2016.

Chief Gambill spoke with Vandeventer via phone on April 27 about the incident. Vandeventer was made aware of his Miranda Rights as well as the reason for Gambill’s call. According to the probable cause affidavit, Vandeventer told the officer he ran off the road into the neighbor’s property because the neighbor and his wife drove on the grass on his property. 

During the call, Vandeventer and his wife explained their side of the civil litigation. 

Chief Gambill, according to the probable cause affidavit, advised the Vandeventers to contact law enforcement if the neighbor or his wife drive into the yard again. They were also urged to get security cameras. They were asked if they would agree to keep their vehicles on the road in the future and allegedly agreed as long as the neighbors did the same. 

Vandeventer has been preliminarily charged with reckless driving, a Class C Misdemeanor.