Three teenagers are facing misdemeanor malicious mischiefcharges following their arrests Tuesday in connection withvandalism of the Brookhaven Municipal Airport’s runway lights inlate March, said Brookhaven Police Chief Pap Henderson.

Cousins McKinzie Bessonette, 18, of 1013 Summers Lane, McComb,and Thomas Bessonette, 18, of 2707 Lee Dr., Bogue Chitto, and a16-year-old Brookhaven juvenile face two counts each of maliciousmischief after almost all the runway lights were destroyed andwindows knocked out of a courtesy car at the airport during thenight of March 29. The three were released on bond Tuesdayafternoon.

Henderson said the juvenile was returned from Oakley TrainingFacility after being sent there on another matter shortly after theairport incident. The chief said a fourth arrest is possible, butthe suspect is currently out of state.

“It wasn’t a difficult case, but it was a time-consuming case,”Henderson said. “We had nothing to go on.”

Henderson said a tip from the public put authorities on thetrail of the suspects. He said young people were suspected from thebeginning.

“We felt like somebody would start talking,” the chief said.”The information eventually got back to us.”

Henderson complimented Dets. Roger Wilson, Bobby Bell and NolanJones for their work in the case.

“They did a fantastic job,” the chief said.

Henderson said the suspects were at a friend’s home near theairport and decided to cross airport property to go to a party atanother county residence. According to the investigation report,several lights were destroyed on the way and the rest, along withthe car damage, was done on a return trip.

Airport officials said all but a few of 88 runway lights weredestroyed. They estimated approximately $6,000 in damage andreplacement costs.

Henderson said federal charges are not possible because theairport is a locally-owned and operated facility. Also, authoritiesspoke the District Attorney’s Office about possible felony charges,but were unsuccessful.

“We looked at every statute we could, but we’ve got to go withthe way it is,” said Henderson, adding that court officials wouldbe contacted regarding requiring restitution in the case.

Henderson also commented on the dangerous situation caused bythe vandalism and potential problems that could have resulted fromthe runway lights being out.

“What could have happened if someone came in and had to land?”the chief said.