Juveniles Suspected in Hay Barn Fire on Bold Springs Road

One of the many calls the Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to during the last two days of April included a hay barn fire on Bold Springs Road.

According to the WCSO Zone Alerts, juveniles were suspected of starting the fire. Local law enforcement, including the Monroe Fire Department, subscribe to the Juvenile Firesetter Program. According to the MFD website, juvenile firesetting is the fastest growing fire threat in the United States with 80,000 structure fires per year started by juveniles. This results in approximately 760 deaths and more than 3,500 injuries. Juveniles are reported to be responsible for 50 percent of the arson arrests and more than $1.2 billion in property damage per year. Monroe Fire employs two certified Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialists.

More information about the program and how it can help parents who suspect their children are showing too much of an interest in fire is available on the MFD website.

Other calls handled by the WCSO during the period April 29 – 30 included the following:

Zone 1

• Theft – A theft occurred at a residence on Sunset Court. Electronics, weapons and jewelry were taken from the residence.

Zone 5

• Theft – An air conditioner was taken from a residence on River Bluff Rd.
• Alarm – Walton County deputies responded to an alarm on Richmond Place in Richmond Place subdivision.
• Arson – A hay barn on Bold Springs Rd. caught fire. Juveniles are suspected of starting the fire.
• Hit and Run – A vehicle was involved in a hit and run accident on Bay Creek Church Rd. Parts of the suspect vehicle were left behind, which identified it as a Ford Ranger. The complainant identified it as a silver early 2000’s model that is missing the front plastic bumper skirt. Damage should also be on the passenger side front fender area of the vehicle.
• Alarm – Walton County deputies responded to an alarm on Twin Oak Place in Twin Oaks subdivision.
• Safety Check – Walton County deputies conducted a safety check on Nicholsville Rd. @ Fannie Thompson Rd. Deputies checked for the required driving criteria: Valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance.
• Burglary – A burglary was reported on Shadow Creek Drive in Shadow Creek Estates.

Zone 6

• Entering Auto – On Lafayette Way, the passenger side window on a vehicle was busted out. Nothing appeared missing.
• Burglary – Power tools and DVD’s were taken from a residence on Haynes Creek Drive.

Zone 7

• Juvenile Complaint – Juveniles were reportedly riding 4-wheelers and motorcycles at Youth Middle School. Contact was made with the juveniles and Criminal Trespass warnings were issued.
• Safety Check – Walton County deputies conducted a safety check on Broadnax Mill Rd. @ Mill Rd. Deputies checked for the required driving criteria: valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance.