Carroll County Sheriff’s Reports

Arson/Vandalism — On June 1, Corporal Jeremy Smith received a public service report from Jason Crews. He informed Corporal Smith that Richard Cunningham confessed to starting the fire that occurred at Hilliard Road on May 31.

On the morning of the fire, firefighters initially ruled it an accident caused by a malfunctioning deep freezer overheating and melting behind the power cord connected, leading to an electrical fire that engulfed the shed. The fire chief was contacted about the report of Richard Cunningham admitting to setting it on fire. On June 2, firefighters returned to Hilliard Road and determined that the cause of the fire was suspicious. On June 3, investigators met with Michael Crews, who had an audio of Richard admitting to setting the shed on fire. The property owners did want to pursue charges, so warrants for arson and vandalism were issued on June 4 for Richard Cunningham, 65, of Paris.

Theft — On June 2, a victim reported to the Carroll County Sheriff’s office that an unknown person had taken $1,281.40 off her EBT card without her permission. The incident has been reported to the Department of Human Services and is under investigation.

Trespass — On June 2, Corporal Jeremy Smith responded to a prowler call in Bruceton. While responding, the caller informed him that the individual appeared to be intoxicated and would not leave her yard. Keith Guthrie, 57, of Bruceton, was identified as the person of interest. He did appear to be under the influence of alcohol and possibly narcotics. He was arrested for public intoxication, resisting arrest, and criminal trespass.