HANOVER — Two men are facing charges after damaging a nativity scene in the town early Wednesday morning.

At about 1:10 a.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a criminal mischief and a larceny in the town. Part of the nativity scene was damaged and part was stolen. Only minutes later, Sheriff’s deputies on patrol in the Fredonia area were able to locate the suspects’ vehicle.

Deputies identified the two occupants to be, Brian B. Ward, 27, of Buffalo and Matthew D. Valliere, 25, of Irving. While investigating the crimes from the Hanover area and locating the stolen property within the vehicle and in possession of both occupants, Valliere attempted to elude arrest and fled the scene on foot.

Deputies were able to apprehend and place Valliere under arrest. He was charged with petit larceny, criminal pPossession of stolen property, resisting arrest and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration. Also, as a result of the investigation, Ward was charged with DWI, petit larceny, criminal mischief, and criminal possession of stolen property.

Both subjects were taken to the Chautauqua County Jail for the Centralized Arraignment Program and will further answer their charges in both Hanover Town Court and Fredonia Village Court.