Three juveniles have been charged in connection with two separate property damage incidents that occurred in early May in Watson, following an investigation by the Desha County Sheriff’s Office.
The first incident occurred on Sunday, May 4, 2025, when Deputy Eric Armstrong responded to a call at the Church Without Walls Gospel Center. Upon arrival, he discovered the front glass door of the church had been shattered. Although nothing was reported missing, surveillance footage from the church showed an unidentified male suspect breaking the glass.
Just days later, on May 8, Sgt. Roland Brown was dispatched to the Watson gymnasium, known for hosting the town’s Fish Fry event, in response to another property damage report. Brown found that someone had entered the building through a roll-up door and caused extensive destruction inside. The intruder or intruders had broken trophy case glass, discharged fire extinguishers, shattered additional windows, overturned tables, and left water running. Additionally, a pressure washer and ice chest were reported stolen.
During the investigation, Investigator Hernandez reviewed grainy surveillance footage from the church and noticed the suspect was wearing a shirt with a distinctive graphic on it. This image was circulated among patrol deputies, who began conducting targeted patrols in the Watson area in search of the individual.
On May 23, Deputies Kerri Womack and Austin Freeman encountered a juvenile at Delta Heritage Trail Park whose shirt matched the one seen in the church surveillance video. Investigator Hernandez and Deputy Womack reviewed her body camera footage and determined the shirt and the individual strongly resembled the suspect in the video.
Following an interview with the juvenile and his parent on May 29, Hernandez was able to identify two additional juveniles involved in the gym break-in. All three confessed to their roles during further questioning.
The suspects — whose names are not being released due to their age — have been charged with Commercial Burglary and Criminal Mischief. Investigators were able to recover both stolen items: the ice chest was found at one suspect’s residence, and the pressure washer was discovered in a wooded area near the gymnasium.
Desha County Sheriff Mitch Grant praised the efforts of his team, stating,
“This is an example of how much our deputies care about solving crimes and getting justice for the victims of crimes, no matter how small or large. I appreciate their hard work and dedication to the citizens of Desha County.”
The investigation is now closed, and the recovered property has been returned to its rightful owners.
