Road sign theft is an epidemic in Yazoo County that may eventually cost someone’s life, but deputies arrested two young men over the weekend who are suspected of contributing to the problem.
Houston Wooten, 18, and Justin Develle, 19, both of Flora were arrested and charged with stealing road signs in Yazoo County and knocking down stop signs.
Wooten is charged with destruction of public property and possession of stolen property Develle is charged with destruction of public property.
Sheriff Jake Sheriff said the suspects stole street signs at Paradise, Niven, Steve Johnson, Old Dover, Stubblefield and Myrleville roads.
“Damaging the stop sign at Myrleville and 433 was particularly reckless,” Sheriff said. “That is a dangerous intersection, and someone could easily get killed if they don’t know to stop.”
Sheriff said he wants to get the message out that his office will seek the strongest penalties allowed by law for anyone caught stealing or damaging county road signs.
“It’s very expensive to keep replacing the signs, and that keeps county workers from other important duties like repairing and maintaining our roads,” Sheriff said. “It’s also very dangerous. If an ambulance, fire truck or law enforcement officer is delayed while responding to an emergency because they’re having trouble finding a road that is missing a sign, it could be the difference between life and death.”
Both suspects were released from the county jail after posting cash bonds.
Anyone with any information about stolen road signs is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 745-5611.
