By Ryan Lewallen, County 17
A 32-year-old male was arrested after he went exploring in the Flying J ceiling Saturday afternoon and broke through, Gillette Police Department officials said Monday.
Officers were notified around 2:48 p.m. on April 24, after Flying J employees reported shoes and legs had busted through the ceiling tiles and were seen dangling in midair, GPD Lt. Brent Wasson said April 26.
Officers did not locate the perpetrator initially, though employees suspected a 32-year-old male – also a Flying J employee and who was last seen on the second floor – was responsible. Officers were unable to search the ceiling due to safety concerns and departed the scene, Wasson said.
An hour later, officers were called back when the incident happened again, resulting in $300 worth of damage to the establishment’s ceiling tiles. This time, officers were able to contact the 32-year-old male in the Flying J parking lot, who was seen walking away covered in dirt and insulation, according to Wasson.
The male reportedly admitted to exploring the ceiling tiles because he “wanted to see what was in there,” Wasson said, adding that the male also admitted that he used methamphetamine the previous day.
The 32-year-old was arrested for use of a controlled substance and cited for misdemeanor destruction of property, according to Wasson.
