By John Howell

Batesville police had scheduled interviews Monday with possible witnesses to the Saturday, May 24 vandalism that damaged artificial turf at South Panola High School’s Dunlap Stadium, Deputy Police Chief Don Province said.

Two trucks were recorded by video surveillance driving onto the field and cruising in circles, creating large black “doughnuts” in the turf. Later a large group of boys and girls is recorded coming to the field to view the damage.

Police have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. 

A reward is also available for information that leads to the arrest of burglars who ransacked a residence on Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

Homeowners, who were not present at the home, were notified by neighbors about 10:30 p.m. Saturday night that they could hear noises coming from the residences. When the homeowners arrived about 8 a.m. Sunday. 

“As they entered their residence they discovered the whole inside had been ransacked,” BPD Patrolman Justin Davis’ report states.

Though two window air conditioners appeared to have been moved, a microwave had been turned upside down on the kitchen floor, a mattress had been pulled from a bed and dresser drawers were pulled open, the homeowners could not initially determine what was missing. 

A later inventory conducted as they homeowners picked up the mess indicated that a Whitetail Classic Bow, five arrows and an arrow quiver were missing. 

Also missing was a Browning knife with brown handle and gold ends; imported cigars, antique hand clippers, and a coin collection of quarters, Davis’ report states.

Detective George Williford is seeking further information. Anyone who can assist is urged to contact Williford at 563-5653.

In another incident of apparent vandalism, a vehicle owner who lives on Potts Street reported that the front passenger window of her 2008 Ford Escape was broken sometime after 8 p.m. Saturday night. 

The victim said that when she found the damage at 11 a.m. the following morning, a rock was lying on the front passenger seat.