Auto break-in case could be tied to more
James Floyd Russell Jr., 27, of Burnet was arrested by police Oct. 26 and charged with felony criminal mischief and evading arrest, Police Chief Paul Nelson said in a prepared statement.
Russell remained in custody Monday at the Burnet County Jail in lieu of posting a $6,500 bond, officials said.
Another man, 19-year-old Colten David Burk of Burnet, was arrested Monday and charged with criminal mischief, Nelson added. Bond for Burk had not been set as of press time, jail officials said.
Nelson said police are investigating a third person in connection with the break-in soon, adding that more charges could be filed in other recent break-ins.
Nelson said officers began their investigation after an attempted vehicle break-in at the high school Sunday afternoon.
“When the owner of the vehicle walked out of the school and confronted the two suspects, the suspects fled the scene,” Nelson said.
Police caught the first man after a short foot chase, and nabbed the second the following day after developing additional leads.
“The department would like to say thank-you to the staff at the high school for taking the time to assist us,” Nelson said.
Felony criminal mischief is a state-jail felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
chris@thepicayune.com