From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On February 3rd, 2016, Deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office responded to woods fire on Hopewell Road.  After arriving, deputies spoke with complainant, and was told there neighbor Bobby Pearl had set fire to the woods between the two residence and the fire was near their residence.  Deputies then spoke with 38 year old Bobby Pearl of Bee Branch.  Pearl told Deputies that he had been hearing people on his property and set the fire to the woods to smoke them out.  After further investigation, deputies arrested Bobby Pearl for reckless burning.
Pearl was charged with felony Reckless Burning and after a first appearance, later bonded.