Police say landscaper slammed boss’s truck into Greenport church

A 23-year-old Greenport man took his employer’s truck without permission Tuesday night and ran it into the side of Greenport church, partially entering the basement, Southold Town Police reported.

Juan Carlos Flores-Campos of Third Street, who police said didn’t have permission to take the 1999 Dodge 1500 pickup truck belonging to Chris Mohr Landscaping of Cutchogue, was held overnight awaiting arraignment on several charges, including  misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.

Police said Mr. Flores-Campos lost control of the truck on Main Street in Greenport, struck the curb, went through a fence and bushes before running into the side of the First Baptist Church just before midnight.  He fled on foot, but was apprehended after an hours-long search, according to reports.

The town building department responding to the scene determined the building was structurally sound, but ordered the electricity shut off.