Ellis County Detention Center vandalized

WAXAHACHIE – The Wayne McCollum Detention Center, 300 S. Jackson Street in Waxahachie was vandalized Friday night/Saturday morning.

While the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department is still reviewing video from the location, they have not arrested a suspect in the case.

But, Ellis County Public Information Officer Sergeant Joe Fitzgerald said – there is a person of interest.

The Ellis County Election office was also damaged at 204 E. Jefferson Street in Waxahachie.

At the detention center, it appears someone threw what appeared to be railroad track ballast through the front window.

A train track runs through the downtown area of Waxahachie, where the track ballast was probably taken that caused the damage.

According to Wikipedia, “track ballast forms the track bed upon which railroad ties are laid. Ballast also holds the track in place as the trains roll over it. It typically consists of crushed stone, although other, less suitable, materials have sometimes been used such as burnt clay.”

The cost of the damage at the detention center and election office is roughly $1,900. Damage was incurred to several double pane windows and a glass door.

“This has never happened at the detention center since I have been working here, beginning in 2009,” Fitzgerald said.

Because the buildings are equipped with surveillance cameras, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department feels certain the person will be identified.

Vandalism of this nature is generally classified as a felony, since the damage is over $500. If property damage is under $500 it is normally classified as a misdemeanor.

Fitzgerald said in this case, “It will depend on the amount of damage caused to what degree of penalty.” The case is still an active

The case is still an active investigation.

If anyone has information leading to the arrest of the suspect, please contact Chief Investigator Clint Sigler at (972) 825-4951.