Man accused of digging up neighbors’ yard because he believed they were pirates

LEDYARD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - A Connecticut man faces a number of charges after neighbors complained to police that he dug up their yard and claimed they were pirates.

WFSB reports that 62-year-old Mark Uterstaedt was charged with risk of injury, second-degree threatening, fourth-degree criminal mischief, breach of peace and simple trespass.

Ledyard Police said they received a call from a concerned citizen around 10:15 a.m. Saturday. The caller reported that her neighbor dug up her front yard with a rock rake and refused to leave.

When they arrived at the scene, officers said they learned that Uterstaedt had walked to the caller’s property because he believed he owned the neighborhood and that the caller and her family were pirates.

“The caller’s husband confronted Uterstaedt about being on his property and digging up his yard,” police said. “Uterstaedt began to yell and scream obscenities directed at the caller’s husband and young children. Uterstaedt then swung his rock rake in the direction of the caller’s husband in a threatening manner.”

When he spoke with officers, Uterstaedt told them that he was actually digging up the yard because he believed they were trying to install a waterline.

Uterstaedt was taken into custody and held on a $15,000 cash or surety bond.

He appeared in New London Superior Court on Tuesday.