Helena man arrested, accused of damaging artwork

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 7:23 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 1, 2009 at 7:23 AM MDT

HELENA - A 32-year-old man accused of damaging about $2,000 worth of sculptures at a ceramic arts foundation in Helena faces a felony charge of criminal mischief.

Shawn Lee Watson of Helena was arrested after authorities were called to the Archie Bray Foundation at about 2 a.m. Sunday to deal with a man who was yelling and breaking sculptures.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton says Watson told some sculptors at the center that he had been at a bar drinking and got lost while trying to walk home. Dutton says the artists tried to get the man a cab, but he refused and told them he had a warrant out for his arrest.

Deputies arrested Watson at his home Monday on the felony charge and on a misdemeanor warrant for a third offense of failing to carry proof of insurance.

Watson posted $10,585 bail and was released Tuesday.

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