Four Arrested for “Tree Tackling” at Christmas Tree Farm

Four, including a juvenile (16) from Carriere and a juvenile (16) from Pearl River, have been arrested by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s detectives for criminal damage at Shady Pond Tree Farm in Pearl River. The investigation began on September 4, 2017 when STPSO deputies responded to an incident in which trees were split in half and damaged to the point they would not survive. Agents with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry assisted with the investigation and deployed cameras throughout the farm.
Then on September 24, 2017, STPSO deputies responded to another incident where more trees were destroyed. In total, 62 trees were damaged, valued at approximately $6,000. The four suspects were identified following review of the surveillance footage. During interviews, investigators learned the act of destroying the trees is called "tree tackling."
Arrested were the two juveniles and Frank Deets II (17) from Pearl River and Wade Glass (17) of Lacombe.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more arrests are possible. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office asks for the public’s help with any information related to the investigation. Please contact Detective Zachary Bruno 985-726-7846 with information.