Man accused of intentionally killing geese in St. Clair Shores

Police say man deliberately ran over Canada geese in St. Clair Shores

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Canada geese are plentiful in southeast Michigan and can be legally hunted.

However, Richard Lesko, of St. Clair Shores, is accused of killing the geese in a way which is strictly against the law.

The 69-year-old lives along a canal in St. Clair Shores. Neighbors say the geese often walk along the street.

Police say Lesko backed his pickup truck out of his driveway and intentionally drove into the flock of geese, killing one. The alleged attack on the birds, according to police investigators, did not stop there.

"He then goes down the street, turns around to get running room and revs the engine, hits the flock a second time, killing another goose," said St. Clair Shores Police Det. Margaret Eidt.

Eidt said Lesko retrieved a garbage can from behind his house and put the two dead birds inside. A witness told police she saw the whole thing.

Lesko can go free by posting a $1,000 bond. According to court records, he has previous charges but no convictions. If convicted of killing the geese, Lesko could face four years in prison and a $7,500 fine.