On October 11, 2010 at 1:00 am, Manitowoc Police were dispatched to the area of St. Mary's Cemetery for a report of a vehicle that smashed through the fence at the west end of Manila St. and went into the Cemetery. Callers reported the vehicle was damaged and driving over headstones. Upon arrival, police located a tan colored van which was severely damaged and hung up on a headstone, unable to move any further. The operator was no longer at the scene. The van was registered to a female subject that Officers were familiar with and it was suspected she or her boyfriend had been driving the vehicle. Several officers converged into the area of the southside residence. One Officer made contact with the registered owner at her residence and she confirmed that her boyfriend was using the van. A short time later, Officer Jason Denk observed the 27 year old male suspect, CARLOS E. LOPEZ, walking in the 2100 block of S. 22nd St. He was highly intoxicated and found to be on probation. He was taken into custody for a probation violation.

LOPEZ was arrested for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated - 3rd Offense, Knowingly Operating while Revoked Causing Property Damage, Operating without Insurance, Operating while Revoked - 2nd Offense, Hit and Run - Property Adjacent to Highway and Operating with Suspended Vehicle Registration. He also faces 10 counts of Criminal Damage to Property for the ten grave stones damaged in the incident.

LOPEZ' girlfriend was also cited for Permitting an Unauthorized Person to Drive.

Captain Larry Zimney,

Anyone with further information regarding this accident may call the Manitowoc Police Department at 920-686-6551.