Pioneer Man Charged With Shattering Windows With BB Gun

 

            Oneida, TN (2011-02-22) A Pioneer man has been charged in connection with a trio of incidents involving auto vandalism.  As result of his arrest, he also faces drug charges.

            Branden W. Blair, 19, of Pioneer was arrested on Saturday following an investigation into vandalism of a vehicle in the parking lot of a local discount store.  According to an arrest warrant filed by Officer Blake Murphy of the Oneida Police Department, Blair was allegedly one of two persons involved in the vandalism of a vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Friday, February 18, 2011.   Blair, authorities claim, was the driver of a red Chevy Blazer that was parked next to the damaged car.  In surveillance footage obtained from the store, authorities claim the windows of the passenger car next to Blair’s vehicle suddenly shattered.  The incident allegedly occurred moments after Blair and an unidentified passenger returned to his vehicle.  Inside the store, authorities claim Blair and his buddy bought CO2 cartridges and metal BBs.

            After the incident a Wal-Mart, two other vehicles were allegedly vandalized on Main Street.  Windows in both vehicle, stated the warrant, were likewise shattered.

            After being stopped on Saturday, Blair allegedly attributed the crimes to his buddy, someone he identified only as “Grover”.  During an interview with authorities, Blair allegedly admitted to leaving the Wal-Mart parking lot and traveling down Main Street, where the other two incidents were reported the Oneida Police Department.  From Main Street, the pair allegedly traveled onto S.R. 456 and then onto S.R. 63.  That same morning, two other similar cases of vandalism were reported to county authorities, both on S.R. 456.

            After being detained, authorities allegedly found drugs in Blair’s possession, including a metal container with Hydrocodone and Xanax tablets inside.

            Blair was charged with vandalism (three counts), possession of a schedule III controlled substance for resale, and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for resale.