Man who destroyed Corbin pumpkin displays ordered to pay restitution, perform community service

A Corbin man, arrested last October for destroying decorative displays in downtown Corbin in broad daylight, has been ordered to pay $700 in restitution for his actions and will also serve community service.

Whitley District Judge Fred White said that charges against 21-year-old Thomas Hyde stemming from the Halloween tirade would likely be dismissed if he followed the directives of the court.

Hyde appeared in Whitley District court Jan. 15 for a pretrial conference. He had originally been charged with two counts of criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, fleeing or evading police and resisting arrest as a result of the incident. White ordered Hyde to reimburse the city of Corbin $700 for the damage, plus a $35 fee, and must do 20 hours of community service with the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter and the city’s Public Works Department. He is due back in court April 16 for a review of the case. If he’s paid the city and performed his community service hours, White said he would consider dismissal of the charges.

According to Corbin Police, Hyde was seen by a pedestrian at about 1:45 p.m. Halloween Day last year smashing pumpkins that were part of a "seasonal harvest" display on south Main Street. The pedestrian captured Hyde in the act on video.

Lt. Rick Baker responded, viewed the video and was able to identify Hyde as the culprit and went to his residence and spoke with family members, but was unable to locate him. Later that evening, around 9:17 p.m., police again received a complaint that a similar display at the north end of Main Street was destroyed. Captain Coy Wilson responded to that complaint and witnessed Hyde in the act.

Wilson apprehended Hyde after a short foot chase. Police say he smashed approximately 43 pumpkins during his outbursts of destruction.