An Alabama man has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of historic oaks at Auburn University.
Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson said Harvey Almorn Updyke Jr., 62, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of first-degree criminal mischief. He could face other charges.
Dawson would not confirm whether the Dadeville man turned himself in, but said Updyke arrived at the jail without a lawyer.
Bond was set at $50,000. If convicted, Updyke could face from one to 10 years in prison.
A man claiming to be "Al from Dadeville" phoned a radio show last month, saying he poured herbicide around the 130-year-old oaks, which are often the site of celebrations after Auburn sports victories.
Dawson would not confirm whether Updyke was the person who called the radio show.
Dozens of students and fans attended a campus news conference Thursday with university and city officials. The two nearby oaks still had remnants of toilet paper from groups of fans who gathered Wednesday night after hearing about the poisoning.
Orange and blue pompoms were laid at the base of the trees along with signs, including one that read, "Get well soon."
Stephen Enloe, an assistant professor of agronomy and soil, said consultation with herbicide experts around the country indicated there was a "low probability" that the trees would survive.
Gary Keever, a horticulture professor, said one possible cure would be to excavate and replace the soil. Keever said workers started treating the soil Thursday and were looking for other solutions.
Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson said Harvey Almorn Updyke Jr., 62, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of first-degree criminal mischief. He could face other charges.
Dawson would not confirm whether the Dadeville man turned himself in, but said Updyke arrived at the jail without a lawyer.
Bond was set at $50,000. If convicted, Updyke could face from one to 10 years in prison.
A man claiming to be "Al from Dadeville" phoned a radio show last month, saying he poured herbicide around the 130-year-old oaks, which are often the site of celebrations after Auburn sports victories.
Dawson would not confirm whether Updyke was the person who called the radio show.
Dozens of students and fans attended a campus news conference Thursday with university and city officials. The two nearby oaks still had remnants of toilet paper from groups of fans who gathered Wednesday night after hearing about the poisoning.
Orange and blue pompoms were laid at the base of the trees along with signs, including one that read, "Get well soon."
Stephen Enloe, an assistant professor of agronomy and soil, said consultation with herbicide experts around the country indicated there was a "low probability" that the trees would survive.
Gary Keever, a horticulture professor, said one possible cure would be to excavate and replace the soil. Keever said workers started treating the soil Thursday and were looking for other solutions.
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