Arrest Made in Exxon Gas Station Vandalism Incidents
Seabrook, Texas - On Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 4:40 a.m., detectives and patrol personnel from the Seabrook Police Department arrested a male suspect believed to be responsible for a series of vandalism incidents targeting the Exxon gas station and convenience store located at 3308 Bayport Blvd. The suspect is accused of shooting ball bearings at the business on at least fifteen separate occasions over a period exceeding one month.
Throughout these incidents, the Exxon station sustained multiple damages, including shattered windows, damaged gas pumps, and destruction of the awning covering them. In one incident, a customer was struck by one of the ball bearings, further escalating community concerns regarding public safety.
The suspect was identified after officers observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation while traveling through the city on SH-146. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers arrested the suspect for the traffic violations. A subsequent search led officers to the recovery of evidence in both the suspect’s vehicle and his home.
The suspect is currently charged with possession of a controlled substance through the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Further charges related to felony criminal mischief are pending as investigators continue to gather evidence related to the damage caused to the Exxon station.
Additional information, including the suspect's name, date of birth, and photo, will be released after the criminal mischief charges are filed.
UPDATE: May 13, 2025
Seabrook, Texas - On Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 4:40 a.m., detectives and patrol personnel from the Seabrook Police Department arrested a male suspect believed to be responsible for a series of vandalism incidents targeting the Exxon gas station and convenience store located at 3308 Bayport Blvd. The suspect is accused of shooting ball bearings at the business on at least fifteen separate occasions over a span of more than one month.
During these incidents, the Exxon station sustained significant damage, including shattered windows, damaged gas pumps, and destruction of the awning covering the pumps. On one occasion, a customer was struck by one of the ball bearings, raising concerns about public safety in the community.
The suspect was identified after officers observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation while traveling through the city on SH-146. After stopping the vehicle, officers arrested the suspect for the traffic violation. A search of the suspect's vehicle and residence led to the recovery of key evidence linking him to the Exxon incidents.
The suspect, identified as Jerry Pursel, 58 years of age, White/Male, has been charged with Felony Criminal Mischief, along with possession of a controlled substance, through the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. These charges stem from a series of vandalism incidents at the Exxon gas station.