JONESBORO, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — An Arkansas man who allegedly drove through a cemetery while intoxicated on two different occasions and caused extensive damage to headstones and landscaping is facing a lawsuit, in addition to criminal charges.
Pine Log Cemetery Inc., filed a complaint April 26 in Craighead County Circuit Court against Cody Cox and Joe Long, III alleging negligence and trespass.
Pine Log alleges in its complaint that on Oct. 24, 2021, Cox entered their cemetery to visit the grave of his father. It says Cox was intoxicated and while in his vehicle, he drove over graves and knocked over and damaged several headstones/grave markers.
Pine Log alleges that on Jan. 30, 2023, Cox again visited the cemetery and was intoxicated while driving Long's vehicle. It says Cox left the designated pathway while attempting to drive to his father's grave and further damaged headstones/grave markers with, the vehicle becoming stuck in the grave. Pine Log alleges that as a result of Cox's actions, it has incurred expenses to repair monuments, headstones and landscaping at the cemetery.
It claims Long's negligence for allowing Cox to use the vehicle knowing Cox's intoxication and emotional state. Both were charged with felonies earlier this year.
Pine Log seeks monetary relief, interest and all other just relief. It is represented by Dustin Jones of Dustin H. Jones P.A., in Jonesboro, Arkansas.