NATCHEZ POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 26, 2020
On 06-23-2020, around 1242hrs, Officer Rebecca Minor of the Natchez Police Department was dispatched 2 Cemetery Rd (Natchez City Cemetery) in reference to a malicious mischief report. Upon arrival, Officer Minor made contact with the director of the cemetery, Mark Fortenbery. Mr. Fortenbery stated that today (06/23/2020), around 1230hrs he observed “The Turning Angel” monument on the ground, from the base. Mr. Fortenbery estimated the damages to be around $40,000.00
Investigators received information that the suspect was possibly an Austin Petty. After tracking Austin Petty down it was discovered that additional individuals were at the cemetery when the incident happened. On June 23, 2020 shortly after 1:00 am. A white SUV pulls up and according to video and the other occupants of the vehicle that Austin Perry jumped out of the SUV and went over to the Turning Angel Monument. The front seat occupants remained in the vehicle. The rear driver’s side occupant jumped out and yelled at Austin not do anything stupid. The occupants stated that Austin began to rock the Turning Angel when it fell over. They then drove off. The occupants stated that they tried to get Austin to go talk to the police. All occupants were cooperative in the investigations. Video evidence supports the occupant’s stories.
The Natchez Police Department wants to dispel any rumors or social media post that attempts to link this incident to any national protest, movement or to even suggest it was racially motivated. There is no evidence to support such statements. This is an isolated incident of a young man exhibiting poor judgement that will cost him for years to come.
Austin Petty is being charged with Malicious Mischief over $25,000.00. He will appear before the Municipal Court Judge around 3:15 pm on June 26, 2020
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