Suspect crashes stolen car, is found hiding in sand bunker

Wenham police arrested a man who was found hiding in a sand bunker after fleeing a car crash where authorities uncovered cash, cellphones and marijuana.

Police Chief Thomas Perkins has said that Wenham police arrested Daniel Ballentine, 22, of Saugus, on various charges after he allegedly wrecked a stolen Mercedes then fled the scene on foot only to be discovered in a sand bunker.

Around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, Wenham firefighters saw a black Mercedes speeding on Arbor Street before it struck a tree at the Wenham Town Hall, police reported. Firefighters saw a man and woman fleeing the crash scene.

After finding the woman nearby, authorities used a K-9 unit to locate the man, Daniel Ballentine, as he hid in a sand bunker at the Wenham Country Club, officials stated.

At the scene of the car crash, police said they uncovered more than $22,000 in cash sealed in a plastic bag, several cellphones and a non-criminal amount of marijuana.

Ballentinewas held by Wenham police before his arraignment in Ipswich District Court on charges including operating to endanger, using a motor vehicle without authority and leaving an accident scene.