SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Break-In, Theft and Vandalism at Pace High School : Two Suspects Arrested

On July 12, 2007 , deputies responded to Pace High School in reference to a report of a burglary. Two juveniles, appearing to have committed the break-in during the early morning hours, were captured on the school's video surveillance system. The suspects went throughout the inside of the school, discharging fire extinguishers, riding bicycles through the hallways, and damaging doors and musical instruments in the band area. The suspects also stole two band uniforms and a John Deere "Gator" off-road vehicle that is used by the coaches at the school. The surveillance footage was reviewed by school personnel and sheriff's deputies, and one of the suspects was recognized as being a Sims Middle School student, Kyle Tharp (13 years old). Tharp was located by deputies and was found to be one of the suspects involved. Tharp stated that the other suspect was David Huddleston (16 year old Pace High School student) and that Tharp last saw him driving the stolen "Gator" in the Floridatown area. Deputies drove to the area and found Huddleston driving the "Gator" down the street and took him into custody. The suspects also disclosed where the stolen band uniforms were and they were returned to Pace High School . Both suspects were arrested on felony charges and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail. The estimated amount of damages is not known at this time. Photographs of the suspects are attached to this email.

SUSPECTS:

David Huddleston, W/M, 16 years old

4200 Block of Sally Street , Pace , FL

Kyle Tharp, W/M, 13 years old

4200 Block of Sally Street , Pace , FL

Charges:

Hindering Firefighting Equipment, 3 rd degree felony

Felony Criminal Mischief, 3 rd degree felony

Burglary of a Structure, 3 rd degree felony

Trespassing on School Grounds, 2 nd degree misdemeanor

Grand Theft, 3 rd degree felony

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

850-981-2136

850-698-4441