Executive Summary
- Jonathan Shumaker and Darin Haynes Jr. were arrested Sunday evening in Lowndes County.
- Deputies reportedly caught the suspects removing items from a storage unit on Highway 45 North.
- Investigators linked the pair to a vehicle burglary and an arson attempt at Nate’s Body Shop.
- The arson incident involved throwing a lit item through a broken window, causing minor damage.
COLUMBUS, Miss. — Two men were arrested Sunday evening in Lowndes County following a multi-faceted investigation into alleged burglary and arson activities. The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Jonathan Shumaker, 35, and Darin Haynes Jr., 38, who were taken into custody during an active property crime incident.
According to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies apprehended the pair as they were allegedly removing items from a storage building located along Highway 45 North. Subsequent investigative work linked the suspects to additional criminal activity reported earlier that morning, including a vehicle burglary and vandalism at a local business.
Investigators stated that the men are connected to an incident at Nate’s Body Shop, where a window was broken and a burning object was introduced into the structure. Authorities reported that the suspects allegedly lit an item on fire and tossed it into the business, resulting in minor damage. Both men are currently facing burglary charges related to the spree.
Investigative Outlook
The apprehension of these suspects connects a series of property crimes ranging from theft to arson, allowing law enforcement to consolidate the investigation into a single criminal episode. By linking the active burglary at the storage facility to the earlier arson attempt, authorities have established a timeline of events that will likely be central to the prosecution’s case. As the investigation continues, prosecutors will determine if additional charges specific to the arson incident are warranted. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
