Two people have been arrested in connection with the burglaries of local mini-storage units and a third suspect is on the run, according to the Eupora Police Department.
The department stated on its Facebook page that commercial burglaries occurred at Deweese Mini Storage units in Eupora on Dec. 23. EPD, in a Dec. 28 post, said Deweese was offering a $500 reward leading to the arrest of the criminal or criminals breaking into its units.
Eupora PD on Sunday posted that, within its investigation, it was able to arrest two people involved in the incident: Donta Ashford and Bernard Bash. Both men turned themselves in, according to the department. When Bash was placed in custody he was also charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and contempt of court.
Ashford, 37, posted a $5,000 bond and Bash, 38 was released on an unsecured bond, both on Sunday.
A third suspect, whom the EPD identified as Charlie Davis, 36, was still on the run from authorities as of Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Eupora Police Department at 662-258-4121.
Attempted Burglaries
Two people have been charged in connection with attempted commercial burglaries in Ackerman and Eupora, according to social media posts by both towns’ police departments.
Ackerman PD said an attempted commercial burglary occurred at Tobacco One in Ackerman around 4 a.m. Jan. 7. Eupora PD posted that around 5:15 a.m. the same day, an attempted commercial burglary occurred at the Eupora Discount Store.
The law enforcement agencies identified the suspects in both crimes as Devin Walski, 19, of Eupora and a juvenile. They were later placed in custody at One Quick Stop in Ackerman.
Shooting Update
The EPD also posted an update Saturday on social media regarding a Christmas Day shooting into a vehicle in Churchill.
As previously reported, someone shot through the back glass of a car occupied by the driver on Dec. 25 on North Dunlap Street. The driver drove away and crashed into another vehicle but no one was injured in the shooting or crash, according to the EPD.
Saturday’s post said police were still investigating the shooting. “More interviews to come and arrest will be made,” the department stated. No arrest had been reported as of Tuesday afternoon.
City Park Thefts
Eupora Beautification Committee members were present at the Jan. 6 Board of Aldermen meeting to discuss thefts from two downtown parks they had decorated for the Christmas season. This was an amended agenda item added after the official agenda had been prepared.
Committee member Cathy Embry and others said extension cords and lights used for the decorations had been stolen from the Depot Park and BLY Art Park. Embry said more security cameras are needed at both parks and that more than one police officer should be on duty at night to patrol the city.
According to the discussion, the apparent culprit was seen three times on security camera footage but did not have any of the stolen items in his hands at the time.
“They hide when we pass through late at night,” Police Chief Lawrence Caradine said. “They stay in the little dark spot down there (on the west end of the Depot parking lot).”
Public Works Director Odie Avery said he had already reached out to the city’s information technology firm about adding cameras at both parks. The installation of motion sensor lights was also recommended by an audience member. The three aldermen present approved a motion authorizing Avery and the Police Department to look into placing more lights at the Depot Park.
