Brewster County sheriff’s deputies arrested a person Thursday in connection with the alleged slashing of a tire on a vehicle associated with ongoing border construction, according to the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said deputies served an arrest warrant for criminal mischief on Aug. 20 stemming from an incident reported Aug. 17.
According to the sheriff’s office, the complainant was shopping in the Study Butte area and was driving a vehicle that identified it as being connected to ongoing border construction.
The sheriff’s office did not identify the person arrested in its public statement or provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged tire slashing.
The arrest comes amid heightened local attention and opposition surrounding border construction projects in the Big Bend region.
In announcing the arrest, the sheriff’s office emphasized that residents have a right to peacefully oppose the projects.
“We encourage exercising your First Amendment rights to peacefully protest, post on social media, write letters to your state and federal legislators, etc.,” the sheriff’s office said.
The agency said, however, that alleged violations of the law would be investigated and appropriate legal action taken.
“The Sheriff’s Office must remain impartial to effectively serve everyone in our community,” the agency said.
Criminal mischief under Texas law can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on factors including the amount of financial loss involved.
The sheriff’s office did not immediately disclose the amount of alleged damage, the specific charge level or bond information.
