Vandals do $750 damage outside downtown Corbin store and restaurant; reward offered

Shae Hensley, co-owner of Seasons Restaurant and House of S&J talks with Corbin Police Lt. Rick Baker following vandalism at the businesses late Thursday night or early Friday morning.

A downtown Corbin restaurant, and interior design and jewelry store owner is offering a $400 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person, or people, responsible for vandalism overnight Friday.

Shae Hensley, co-owner of House of S&J and Seasons Restaurant, said Friday morning he was shocked when he went to the outside porch of his Main Street business only to find about $750 worth of expensive pots and plants had been smashed to pieces. There area the vandals hit faces Depot Street.

“Those have been out there all summer. They been there since May,” Hensley said. “We try so hard to volunteer to make the town look better. We really want to be civic-minded and this is the thanks we get. It puts a bad taste in your mouth.”

Hensley said he is offering a $400 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Lt. Rick Baker with the Corbin Police Department is investigating the case. He said a reward could provide the incentive needed for someone to provide a lead.

“That ups the game a little bit, for sure,” Baker said. “I know people that will tell on their own mama for $400. I’m hoping somebody does the right thing and comes forward with some information.”

If caught, Baker said the suspect or suspects involved would be charged with second-degree criminal mischief, a felony offense. Police would press for restitution to pay for the damage when the case ever goes to court.

Hensley said he was planning to put some tables in the area and cover it later this year so that patrons of Seasons Restaurant could sit outside and dine. He’d planned on putting surveillance cameras in place then so the furniture wouldn’t have to be brought inside the store every night.

In regards to the damage, Hensley said he plans to work immediately to fix what’s been destroyed.

“I’ll have it fixed back today and I will be watching if they decide to come back,” he said.