Staff Writer

Quick response and followup by the Pike County Sheriff’s Department led to the clearance of two criminal mischief cases this past week.

An 8-year-old and an 11-year-old confessed to vandalizing Banks Methodist Church on July 1 and removing property from the church.

Sheriff Russell Thomas said his department received a call regarding a burglary at the church last Sunday. Deputies discovered entry to the church was gained through the south side door, which had been pried open. The suspects had also discharged a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area and taken a case of aerosol snow.

Thomas said the two children were interviewed and confessed to their part in the crime.

"They admitted to spraying the fire extinguisher in the kitchen and out into the hallway and to removing the items," Thomas said.

"The church has allowed them to do community service by cleaning up and replacing the missing items."

Another incident was also reported in the area of Banks.

Thomas said, on July 3, CSX Transportation reported graffiti had been painted on a rail car at the intersection of Highways 67 and 93 near Banks. The estimated cost of damages was $250.

Investigation of that case led to the arrest of Michael B. Herbst, 22, of Cornersville, Tenn. and Dan Locas Gibson, 22, of Enterprise. Each was charged with one count of criminal mischief, third degree.

Thomas said the two men had reportedly been on a construction job in Georgia and were returning to Enterprise with the incident occurred.

"I want to commend Deputy Tommy Price on his quick response and clear-up of both of these cases," Thomas said. "It was his excellent response and followup that led to these cases being cleared."