CULLMAN, Ala. – A Falkville man has been arrested and charged in connection with the break-ins and damage of three vehicles at the Duck River Boat Ramp, according to the Cullman Police Department. Derek Wayne Halbrooks, 44, is charged with three counts of unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, two counts of third-degree criminal mischief and one count of first-degree criminal mischief.
According to the CPD, officers were dispatched to the boat ramp Aug. 4 after receiving a report that several vehicles had been broken into. When officers arrived, they located three vehicles with broken windows and other damage and spoke with the victims.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the area. According to the CPD, Investigator Nick Watkins used the footage to identify the suspect and the vehicle allegedly involved in the incidents. Warrants were subsequently obtained for Halbrooks’ arrest.
On Aug. 20, the CPD said, Watkins, Investigator Hunter Riddlesperger, Officer Justin Turner and Lt. Trey Higginbotham took Halbrooks into custody at his residence without incident.
“Our officers and investigators did a great job working this case from start to finish. They followed the evidence, identified the suspect and made the arrest without incident. I’m proud of the work they put into this investigation and their commitment to keeping our community safe,” Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan said.
The CPD did not release additional information about the reported damage or whether any property was taken from the vehicles.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
