Man charged in water tower shooting - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Man charged in water tower shooting

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BROOKHAVEN, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Brookhaven police have a man in custody who they believe caused thousands of dollars in damage to a new city water tower by shooting into it with a rifle.

Chief Pap Henderson says Crimestoppers tips and witnesses led them to 36-year-old Justin Lee Hughes of Brookhaven. Hughes was arrested Friday in Jefferson County, where he was working, and was charged with felony malicious mischief. Henderson said Hughes hasn't given detectives a reason for the alleged incident.

Monday, officers recovered a 7mm rifle they believe was used to shoot two holes into the water tank. The damage to the tank was reported Dec. 28 after water was discovered leaking from it.

Crews recovered bullets when they drained the tank to repair the holes. The repairs cost more than $12,000, but the city's insurance footed most of the bill, according to Henderson.

Henderson says no residents were affected, because the tower, which is located at the city's industrial park, wasn't being used at the time.

Hughes remains in the Lincoln County jail.

Copyright 2013 MSNewsNow. All rights reserved.

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