Three UTM students chose to engange in the political process in a not so traditional way that led to their arrests on Saturday, Oct. 16.

Ptl. Terry Guthrie of Martin Police Department was responding to the area of Todd Street after a resident had observed people taking political signs from his neighbors yard. Ptl. Guthrie pulled over a 1997 Toyota Four Runner on Poplar Street.

After pulling over the vehicle, Guthrie found that the occupants were Carter West, 18, of Martin, Robert Young IV, 19, of Union City and Grant Simmons, 18, of Martin.

After making contact with the men, Guthrie noticed an odor similiar to that of an intoxicating beverage coming from their person. All men were found to be under the age of 21. Also, Guthrie found four political campaign signs located in the rear of their vehicle. The four signs were valued at $5 a piece.

Further investigation found that the four men did enter the property of three residents on Todd St. to remove the signs.

The three men were all charged with criminal trespass, theft of property and violation of drinking age law. They were arraigned in Weakley County General Sessions Court earlier this week.

The Toyota Four Runner was towed by Harper’s Wrecker Service.

The police report only mentioned that the signs stolen were presidential campaign signs. It did not say which candidate the signs were representing.

Four days after the incident, The Pacer found campaign signs for Bush/Cheney in the listed yards of the victims.