WENHAM — Police Chief Thomas Perkins reports that the Wenham Police Department arrested a man who allegedly fled the scene of a motor vehicle crash, involving a stolen car, near Wenham Town Hall. Upon searching the vehicle after the crash, officers found more than $22,000 in cash and a quantity of marijuana.
As a result, DANIEL NICHOLAS BALLENTINE, AGE 22, OF SAUGUS, has been charged with:
• Operating to Endanger
• Using a Motor Vehicle without Authority
• Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Involving Property Damage
• Speeding
At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, Wenham firefighters witnessed a black Mercedes sedan travel on Arbor Street at an extremely high rate of speed before it crossed both lanes of Main Street, and struck a tree on the front lawn of the Wenham Town Hall. BALLENTINE and a female occupant were seen by firefighters running from the scene. Wenham police officers were able to locate the female passenger near the crash scene. Wenham Police, Hamilton Police, and a K-9 unit from nearby Manchester-by-the-Sea conducted a search of the area, and they were able to track the subject to a residential development on Main Street and then to the golf course at the Wenham Country Club located at 94 Main St. The K-9 unit located BALLENTINE attempting to hide in a sand bunker on the course. BALLENTINE was taken into custody without incident.
An inventory search of the vehicle revealed a plastic bag containing a large amount of cash totaling $22,650. The cash and several cell phones were seized. A small, non criminal amount of marijuana was also located in the vehicle.
Both parties were evaluated by EMS at the scene and refused transportation to the hospital.
“I am proud of the collaborative work by the Wenham police and fire departments and the Manchester-by-the-Sea K-9 unit,” Chief Perkins said. “The high level of communication at this unusual scene led to the rapid location and arrest of the suspect.”
The investigation remains ongoing by the Wenham Police Department and Det. Shane Kavanagh. Additional charges may follow.
BALLENTINE was held at the Wenham Police Department pending his arraignment in Ipswich District Court.
