Arapaho, OK – A Custer County Jail inmate is facing a felony charge after authorities say he damaged a sprinkler system inside the jail, causing more than $1,200 in damages.
According to court records, Buddy Jefferson LaRue Jr., 77, of Butler, was charged in Custer County District Court with one count of malicious injury to property over $1,000. Prosecutors allege LaRue struck a fire sprinkler head multiple times with a kitchen tray on the evening of September 10 while housed alone in an isolation cell.
The impact broke the sprinkler head and flooded the cell, forcing jail staff to remove LaRue and relocate him to another cell. Sheriff’s Office officials said the sprinkler system sustained an estimated $1,275 in damage.
An affidavit states LaRue told staff he had thoughts of hanging himself but instead decided to break off the sprinkler and “drown himself.” He was placed on suicide watch following the incident.
LaRue was arrested at the jail on September 11. He later bonded out pending his court appearance.
If convicted, LaRue faces up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
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