Sheriff’s Office arrests suspect in excavator vandalism case

Scroll down for suspect mugshot.

UPDATE: MAY 29, 2025

It’s only been 4 days since the incident, but the reward money has gone from $10,000 to nearly $65,000 – and now someone has been arrested.

Construction has been going on to clear the path for a section of the Southwest Trail in Saline County, but progress came to a halt when vandals trashed some very expensive excavating equipment that was being used on the job. James A. Rogers Excavating initially announced on May 26th that there would be a $10,000 reward for a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). But other businesses kept pitching in, pledging more money – even County Judge Matt Brumley pledged money toward the reward amount. From May 26th to May 29th, the amount soared to $64,660. And now, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office arrested someone on Thursday related to the vandalism.

The following is a press release from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 25, 2025, a significant act of criminal mischief resulted in extensive damage to heavy equipment, owned by The James A. Rogers Excavating Company, while stationed on the Southwest Trail construction site in Saline County. The damage sparked widespread public concern and quickly drew the attention of the local community.

Clint Guthrie of Cabot arrested May 29, 2025.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID), working in close partnership with the The James A. Rogers Excavating Company, Cabot Police Department, and the Arkansas State Police, conducted a swift and thorough investigation. The collaborative effort led to the arrest of a former employee; Clint Guthrie, 42, of Cabot.

“We’re grateful for the collaborative response from our partner agencies and the citizens who came forward,” said Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright. “This arrest demonstrates how law enforcement and the public can work hand in hand to protect property and preserve the integrity of public works projects like the Southwest Trail.”

The case remains under investigation, and formal charges are pending through the Saline County Prosecutor’s Office.

If anyone has any additional information about this incident, please contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at (501) 303-5608.

PREVIOUSLY:

UPDATE: AS OF MAY 29, THE REWARD INCREASED TO $64,660.

There’s a big reward posted, after someone came onto the worksite for the Southwest Trail and trashed some large and very expensive equipment.

James A. Rogers Excavating, the contractor on the project, was initially offering $10,000, but others have joined in with more money. And they keep pledging more. The reward amount has risen to ~~$12,500~~ ~~$21,000~~ ~~$34,000~~ ~~$61,600~~, $64,660 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the vandalism.

The incident occurred near Shannon Hills and the Sardis Community, where construction was in process for the Southwest Trail section in Saline County. This happened during the weekend of May 23-25, 2025.

Their actions caused over $700,000 in damages, including excavators that were driven into a ditch. One of the excavators had its cab completely torn off.

Saline County officials and James A. Rogers Excavating are working closely with Law Enforcement to investigate the crime. They are also appealing to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators.