Vandal with BB or pellet gun damages 30 properties

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department fielded a number of telephone calls from residents over the weekend in the Ava and Campbell Hill area about properties being damaged by someone using a BB or pellet rifle.

The area is where Perry and Jackson counties meet.

The department is requesting the public's help in trying to find the individuals responsible.

Sgt. Jon W. Kilquist of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department said Monday the vandalism spree was apparently over several hours on Saturday, Dec. 5. The vandalism then continued on into Sunday, Dec. 6.

Sgt. Kilquist explains:

"The Jackson County sheriff's office has received reports of criminal damage to property that occurred in the Ava, Ill. and Campbell Hill, Ill. area on the night of Dec. 5, 2015.

"Approximately 30 vehicles, homes and businesses have had windows shot out with a BB type gun.

"As of 5 p.m. on Sunday incidents were still being reported.

"They've been out working on it all day," said a radio room dispatcher.

The sum total of damage to vehicles, homes and businesses was rapidly growing into thousands of dollars, according to the sheriff's department.

"There is currently an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Jackson County sheriff's office and the Ava Police Department. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is urged to contact the Jackson County sheriff's office at (618) 684-2177.

When the suspect is identified and arrested he will face multiple charges, the foremost being multiple counts of criminal damage criminal damage to property.