BHS student helps nab fugitive from justice

Wanda Nichols Photo KEEN EYE -- Thanks to the alertness of BHS sophomore Harlie Bailey, who spotted one of Tyler's "Dirty Dozen" on the school's police bulletin board, another fugitive from justice has been taken off the streets. The bulletin board had just been installed a day earlier by BISD Police Chief Kyle Bridges.

Thanks to the alertness of Brownsboro High sophomore Harlie Bailey, one more fugitive from justice is off the streets.

James G. Castleberry, 36, Chandler, was arrested without further incident, Friday, March 2, by Henderson County Sheriff's Investigators Wick Gabbard and Michael Teel.

Brownsboro ISD Police Chief Kyle Bridges said it all started when he installed a bulletin board in the front hall of Brownsboro High School March 1. Such items as sports photographs, and career opportunities in law enforcement were posted, as well as Tyler Police Department's "Dirty Dozen," the top 12 most wanted fugitives.

"I thought these kids may know some of these people," he said. "And sure enough they did."

The very next day, Bailey recognized Castleberry's photo in the line-up.

"When he and his wife used to live in Parkside Shores I used to babysit and take care of their house and dogs," Bailey said. "As soon as I saw his picture I called my grandmother to see for sure if it was him."

Castleberry, who is wanted in Henderson and Smith Counties, and Ramsey County, Minnesota on a variety of felony charges, had since moved, but was still in the area south of Chandler.

Bailey also called her mother, Dana Bailey, who works with Brownsboro Municipal Judge Susan Carver.

With Bridges out for the day in surgery, Carver took the situation into her own hands and called Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle to verify the photo. Swindle, notified the Henderson County Sheriff's Department, who in turn sent over Gabbard and Teel.

Carver led the two investigators to Castleberry's residence on FM 315 near Lake Palestine where he was taken into custody.

Castleberry was held in the Henderson County jail on a $60,000 bond until he was picked up by Smith County where he is wanted for theft from person. Bail has been set at $50,000.

"I just want people to know that kids really do good things," Carver said. "Kids do pay attention."

In other BHS police news, Bridges reports the 32 video cameras installed throughout the school in October have reduced truancy, fights and graffiti.

"We were having a terrible graffiti problem at the beginning of the year," Bridges said. "After the cameras were installed and we caught a few of them we haven't had anymore trouble."

A total of 32 cameras with 19 active at any given time have served the school well.

"One of the best things I can see is when there is a fight, we have it on video," Bridges said. "I can tell what happened, whether it's a mutual fight or if someone is truly defending themselves. This has been great."

Bridges said the cameras are changed around as needed to view student activity throughout the school.