Deputy Suspected of Doing Thousands of Dollars Damage to Marina
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: July 10, 2012
A Pulaski County Sheriff's deputy is suspected of causing thousands of dollars in damage to a popular destination.
This deputy hasn't been charged and KARK has chosen not to reveal his name.
"Given the story, it sounds like he was out of control," said Boat Owner Steve Landers who's boat is docked at the Brady Mountain Marina.
Landers was surprised to discover the gate at the marina had been busted open. But he was more shocked to learn a deputy was reportedly to blame.
What happened Friday, Landers says, has been all anyone can talk about on these usually sleepy and secured docks.
"I don't know the circumstances so it's not up to me to pass judgment, other than the fact our gate is broken and I'm not too happy about it," Landers said.
A report, though, filed with the Garland County Sheriff's Office outlines some details.
Friday witnesses say a Pulaski County Sheriff's Lieutenant at the marina got into a fight with his girlfriend and pushed her.
Next, a report says the deputy got into his ford F-150 truck and rammed into the marina's closed gate.
Then, he backed off it and hit it again, tearing it down.
Tuesday, the twisted metal had been picked up. But in all investigators say the deputy did close to $15,000 in damage.
"Obviously with that gate open, it makes it easier for someone to take something from someone's boat of otherwise cause mischief they wouldn't with the gate there," Landers said.
Landers believes that's exactly what happened to him this weekend. With the gate open and people pouring in, he says it appears someone took his dog Tebow.
Now, he wants his best friend back and the person who brought down the gate to at least undo the damage.
"I'd like to see my fate back up obviously as soon as possible," Landers said.
A manager for the marina declined to talk to us on camera Tuesday, but they did tell us their priority is for the person responsible to pony up the money to fix the gate.
Again, the deputy's not been charged, but because of the amount of damage done, he could face a felony charge.
Steve Landers is offering a reward of Tebow's safe return. If you've seen him, give Landers a call at 501-350-7171.
