Two Arrested in Ballplay Community Burglary Investigation
Etowah County deputies recover stolen property, credit community for tips

Etowah County authorities have arrested two men in connection with a June burglary in the Ballplay community.

Steven Kennedy, 42, and John Wesley Hunter, 38, have been charged with third-degree burglary and second-degree theft of property following an investigation by the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office.

The case began on June 8, when deputies received a report from a homeowner on Centre Road in Gadsden. Several items had been stolen during a break-in at the residence.

Investigators were able to identify potential suspects through surveillance footage from nearby businesses and eyewitness accounts. A follow-up at the suspects’ residence uncovered evidence consistent with the burglary, prompting a search warrant. Authorities recovered some of the stolen property, which has since been returned to the victim.

Arrest warrants were issued, and on July 8, deputies, with assistance from the Hokes Bluff Police Department, took both suspects into custody at their residence.

The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office credited the success of the case to strong collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

The Etowah County Sheriff’s Department issued the following release:

Sheriff Jonathon Horton announces the arrest of two suspects in connection with a burglary that occurred in the Ballplay Community.

Steven Kennedy, 42, and John Wesley Hunter, 38, have been arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree & Theft of Property 2nd Degree.

On June 8, 2025, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a victim whose residence, located at 7744 Centre Road in Gadsden, had been burglarized. Multiple items were reported stolen from the property.

Thanks to the assistance of eyewitnesses, surveillance footage from local businesses, investigators were able to identify two suspects in the case. A follow up interview at the possible suspects’ residence led to the discovery of evidence consistent with the burglary. Based on those findings, a search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the recovery of some of the stolen property, which has since been returned to the victim.

Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for both suspects. On July 8, 2025, deputies with the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Hokes Bluff Police Department, made contact at the suspects’ residence and successfully took both individuals into custody.

“This is another great example of how community cooperation, technology, and solid police work come together to hold criminals accountable,” said Sheriff Horton. “We’re grateful for the support of the public and our law enforcement partners in getting justice for this victim.”