Published: October 13, 2009 09:13 pm      

Crime Stopper tip solves crime

PICAYUNE — Four suspects who allegedly broke into a local school cafeteria to take ice cream and chips were arrested thanks to a tip provided through Crime Stoppers.

The burglary was reported on Sept. 14, by employees of Nicholson Elementary, stating the school’s cafeteria had been broken into. Stolen items included ice cream and bags of chips, said Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier.

An anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers stated that four suspects had been seen leaving the area about the time of the burglary on Sept. 13. That Crime Stoppers information was provided to the Sheriff’s Department and led to the identification of two juveniles, who were seen leaving the school at the time of the burglary. Both juveniles were 16 year-old males.

Detective James Buie spoke with the two juveniles and a third suspect, identified as Adam Mason, 20, of 111 Myrtle Dr. As a result of the discussions and further investigation, the three suspects were arrested and charged with burglary of the school on Sept. 30. A fourth suspect also was identified as a result of the investigation, Jeffery Bridges, 19, of 1801 U.S. 11 S., Lot 99. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

After Bridges learned the Sheriff’s Department had a warrant for his arrest, he turned himself in, Saucier said. Bridges turned himself in on Oct. 2 and was charged with the burglary of the school.

The two juveniles were taken to the juvenile detention center in Hattiesburg.

Crime Stoppers provides rewards for information that leads to an arrest.