A vandal may have learned a valuable rodeo lesson. When the show is over at the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse grounds almost nothing is left behind.
Monday, a junior sheriff's posse member discovered the east glass in the main concession stand window at the outdoor arena had been broken. Cleburne police were called to investigate.
"There's nothing in there," JCSP Capt. David Welty said. "We may have had a few hamburger patties in the freezer, but that's it."
A rock is believed to have been used to break the glass and there may have been damage to the frame of the window. The total loss is presently unknown.
"It appears this was more vandalism than burglary," Welty said. "We found some small, size-seven footprints. This was probably a young person."
Welty recalls making a few mistakes in his own youth, and is hopeful a lesson can be learned.
"We forgive whoever did this and sincerely hope they won't try this in the future, because we will prosecute," he said. "There's a footprint, but no blood. We're glad whoever this was did not get hurt."
Police have been unable to determine that anything was taken by the vandals, and Welty says there's just not much of value to take anywhere on the grounds. Possibly, vandals had believed there may have been cash in the concession stand, Welty said.
"We're just a non-profit trying to do good for the community," Welty said. "It is unforeseen costs like these that hamper what we're trying to do. It is really sad. This is a loss of time and money."
All members of the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse serve in an unpaid volunteer capacity.
Anyone with information about this case may call Johnson County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 817-469-8477, or text "JCCS" and your message to 274637.