LITTLE ROCK — Two boys broke into the state fish hatchery compound in Lonoke County, stole a truck and ripped through a muddy field, authorities said Monday.
Deputies found the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission truck stuck in the mud in a subdivision southwest of Lonoke on Sunday evening and arrested the boys, 12 and 14, said Lt. James Kulesa with the Lonoke County sheriff's office.
The boys, who were not named by authorities because of their ages, are accused of busting out the windows of a vacant residence at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery and ransacking the offices before taking off in the Chevrolet truck.
"I guess they didn't get what they wanted for Christmas," Kulesa said.
The boys were each released to their parents pending juvenile court proceedings. They face several charges including theft, commercial burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief.
Deputies were dispatched to the area near Wayne Elmore Road about 8 p.m. Sunday after someone reported seeing a reckless driver. Kulesa said the boys were doing "donuts" and otherwise tearing up the property.
Valuable items in the office such as digital cameras and computers went untouched in the break-in, said Jason Miller, who manages the hatchery. He said the only missing items were several sets of keys and a broken cap gun that was used to train dogs.
"We've had some vandalism issues over the years," he said. "But this is by far the worst case of any criminal activity we've ever seen out there."
With so many youths visiting the hatchery, which breeds fish for Arkansas waterways, Miller said there has been some concern about security.
He said state officials are now talking about fencing in the entire property and installing a gate.
Arkansas, Pages 9 on 12/30/2008