VFW latest to be hit in vandalism spree
Published 9:04 pm Monday, January 12, 2009
Chilton County VFW Post 3193 was the latest target of vandals who have been shooting paintball guns at public property.
A string of incidents in Clanton, Thorsby and Jemison has involved not only paintballs but also eggs, according to local law enforcement.
“It’s aggravating,” Bill Popwell, post commander, said yesterday. “I hope we find out who it was, and if we can we’ll take corrective action.”
Clanton Police Detective Keith Maddox said several businesses on Second Avenue North were pelted with paintballs over the past week, but fortunately there was no permanent damage.
“It’s more of an annoyance than anything,” Maddox said. “They’re minor charges, but it’s a major annoyance to these business owners.”
Other targets included several homes and businesses in Jemison, including the Jemison Fire Department and rescue building, Interim Police Chief Shane Fulmer said.
“At least two vehicles were egged,” he added. “We got hit pretty hard in numerous places.”
Jemison Police have identified juveniles they believe are responsible for the mischief, however. Fulmer credited Patrol Officer Tera Mayfield, who worked on the case for two days, and other patrol officers.
In working the incident, Mayfield was able to solve a recent break-in at Jemison High School.
“We anticipate filing charges within the next couple of days,” Fulmer said.
Jemison Police will be in contact with Thorsby and Clanton Police to see if incidents in the different towns are related.