Burke County Church Vandalized, One in Custody
A Burke County church was heavily damaged Sunday and now authorities say they have a suspect in custody.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office was called to Botsford Baptist Church at 825 Botsford Church Road on Sunday, August 4, after significant damage was found in the building.
Deputies met with a church employee who discovered several broken windows in the sanctuary hall, as well as what appeared to be broken beer bottles inside the building.
“Deputies observed a large stained-glass window that had been shattered, along with several smaller broken windows. A small hole in one of the windows suggest the impact of a projectile from a firearm,” according to Lt. Jimmy Wylds.
Upon further investigation, deputies found spent .22 caliber cartridges scattered on the church grounds. A wallet containing two financial cards was also found during the search.
Burke County Church Damage
A church official estimates the cost to repair the damage to the church to be roughly $15,000. Authorities also say the church’s roadside sign was damaged by gunfire.
Video surveillance was provided to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and aided in the investigation.
Today, investigators say they have arrested Joshua Dalton Jarrell of Hancock Landing Road in connection with the vandalism.
Charges Against Jarrell
- Possession of a Firearm During a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Marijuana
- Criminal Damage to Property, 2nd Degree
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
Jarrell is being held in the Burke County Detention Center. Authorities say the investigation remains active.
“The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any further information related to this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 706-554-2133,” according to Wylds.
