'Duck Dynasty' Scarecrow Burned Beyond Recognition, Teen Charged with Theft
Police in Georgia revealed they had arrested a suspect in connection with a "Duck Dynasty" scarecrow that was modeled after Si Robertson.
Ball Ground Police Chief Bryon Reeves stated the burned remains of the scarecrow, which was made by a group of Ball Ground Elementary School fourth-grade parents ahead of the city's inaugural scarecrow contest, were discovered and that a juvenile who admitted to taking the scarecrow has been arrested.
"It's unfortunate that they lost their scarecrow, but maybe ... out of his own remorse, he might make them a new one," Reeves told the Cherokee Tribune. "If they learn anything, [it is] that stealing is wrong no matter whose it is; if it's not yours, don't take it."
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Police found the remnants of the scarecrow in the backyard of the juvenile's home. When confronted by police the 16-year-old admitted to the crime and was arrested and charged with theft by taking.
"We discovered after a little investigation that a juvenile had taken it. I made contact with the juvenile who lives a little further away and he admitted to taking it," Reeves said. "It was nothing but ashes it was completely gone."
In light of the misfortune brought upon those who help create the scarecrow the creators have decided to forgive the delinquent.
"To begin with we were kind of upset, the main reason we had done 'Duck Dynasty' was because of the background and their beliefs and we truly believe in them, and as a community we have to forgive," Allison Martin, a member of the group that created the scarecrow said.
City Manager Eric Wilmarth said the juvenile felt remorse for his actions, but did not fully think about the consequences of his actions.
"He was just passing through downtown Ball Ground and thought Uncle Si was pretty cool and wanted him. (He) just didn't think about the consequences, and I am sure didn't think there would be so much publicity," Wilmarth told the Cherokee Tribune. "The young man has expressed remorse - he is sorry for what he did - it's just one of those things you can't back up and undo."
