A Brown County man is accused of breaking into a concession stand at Deer Run Park. He told police he was trying to find food.
At around 1 a.m. Oct. 13, police responded to Deer Run Park because the offices and storage shed had been vandalized. Deputy Josh Stargell was able to secure the front door to the parks and recreation office.
Candy, chips and a bucket of sunflower seeds had been stolen.
Detective Brian Shrader reported that paperwork belonging to Cody D. Fletcher, 20, of Wells Hill Road — including an insurance card, a letter to Brown Circuit Court Fletcher wrote, and a copy of his driver’s license — were found by a staff member later that day near the park bathrooms.
Weeks ago, park staff had told police they believed Fletcher was doing illegal activity, possibly drug-related, in the park at the boat ramp. Shrader and Detective Paul Henderson sat in the area for days but were unable to find Fletcher, according to the affidavit.
Parks and recreation staff were able to provide photos and videos of the suspect who entered into their office, then fled after the alarm sounded. Shrader noted several tattoos on the suspect, including a star and some writing on his right arm.
At around 9:30 p.m. Oct. 13, Deputy Andrew Eggebrecht pulled over a small red car. Fletcher was the driver.
During the course of that stop, Eggebrecht reported finding less than five grams of methamphetamine, a syringe, smoking pipes and a grinder. He also reported that Fletcher had $157 in dollar bills in the back seat along with a bucket of sunflower seeds. Chocolate bars, candy and chips were in the bucket, the affidavit states.
Eggebrecht arrested Fletcher for possession of methamphetamine. While looking at jail booking photos, Shrader reported seeing a star tattoo that matched the one the suspect had in the security camera footage.
About five days later, Fletcher returned to the sheriff’s department to see if they had his cellphone. Shrader interviewed him. When asked if he was a career burglar or just looking for food and money, Fletcher told Shrader “I’m not a burglar. I was just trying to find food,” the affidavit said.
Fletcher later admitted to Eggebrecht that he used small pliers to open the concession stand, but he denied having involvement in any other burglaries, according to the affidavit.
On Oct. 19, Fletcher was charged with burglary, a Level 5 felony; theft, a Class A misdemeanor; and criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor.
He was charged the same day with possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; unlawful possession of a syringe, a Level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.
