Photo by Cindy Bowden
Investigative files concerning the vandalism of the Panther statue on the Benton High School campus have been turned over to Saline County Juvenile Authorities and the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
At approximately 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, officers responded to the Benton High School for a report that the Panther statue had been vandalized. An investigation ensued with assistance from detectives with the Bryant Police Department, and officials with the Bryant and Benton school districts.
The investigation found that 10 individuals were involved. Benton police served a warrant for Criminal Mischief to 18-year-old Garrett Misenheimer of Bryant on Tuesday, Sept. 13 The other 9 individuals are awaiting charges from the Saline County Juvenile Authorities and the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The damage caused to the Panther statue and sidewalk was in excess of $4,000.
Anyone with additional information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on iTunes and Google Play.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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