The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of break-ins at area deer camps as hunting season gets underway, Sheriff Mike Knoedl announced this week.
Deputies say several camps were recently targeted, with equipment and other valuables stolen. Deputy Tim Wofford is leading the investigation and has identified a suspect. Warrants are expected to be issued soon. Some of the stolen property has already been recovered from a local pawn shop and will be returned to its owners.
Sheriff Knoedl is urging hunters and landowners to take precautions to deter theft.
“Strategically place game cameras around your deer camps or homes,” Knoedl said. “And please don’t leave firearms inside camps for long periods of time. If you discover you’ve been the victim of theft, contact the sheriff’s office immediately so we can investigate.”
Each year, numerous side-by-sides, firearms, and other outdoor equipment are stolen across the county. According to the sheriff, affordable game cameras have often helped investigators identify suspects and make arrests.
The sheriff also reported that Kerry Simmons and his crew have been busy cleaning litter along highways and county roads this week. With hunting season ramping up, he asked residents to properly secure and dispose of feed sacks to prevent them from ending up along roadsides.
“Hunting season kicks off this weekend,” Knoedl said. “Please make sure your deer stands are safe before using them. Each year, we see accidents because of unsafe equipment, and we want everyone to have a safe season.”
The sheriff’s office also released its weekly “Felony Friday” list:
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Thompson, Channon of Fordyce: Failure to Appear
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Clark, Haley of Fordyce: Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substances, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
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Torrence, Deaundre of Hot Springs: Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons
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Livingston, Michael of Camden: Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons
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Heglar, Carla of Pine Bluff: Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substances
