On December 14, at approximately 9:30 p.m. the Tupelo Police Department was called to the Cracker Barrel on Cross Creek Drive for a disturbance.

Officers found that multiple windows had been broken from the building.

An employee vehicle had also been vandalized. Employees on the scene told officers that a black male with gray clothing was the possible suspect.

Officers quickly located a suspect matching that description in the vicinity. The suspect was identified as 57-year-old Gregory Payne (Tupelo). He had cuts on his hand consistent with injuries from broken glass.

Once cleared by medics he was transported to Lee County SO. Investigators learned that Payne was a former employee who had been asked to leave the restaurant earlier in the evening for harassing customers.

Bond was set at $25,000 for Felony Malicious Mischief. This case will be presented to the Lee County Grand Jury.