Athlete arrested in burglary probe

BIG SPRING, TX LaRay Woodard, 18, was arrested at school Tuesday after police found a shotgun in the trunk of his vehicle believed to have been stolen in one of the robberies, said Sgt. Tony Everett, Big Spring police spokesman. Woodard is charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon on school grounds, a state jail felony, and was released from the Howard County Jail on $3,000 bond.

During the same investigation, police also arrested a 15-year-old student who allegedly was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a controlled substance, Everett said.

Woodard, a senior receiver and defensive back, scored touchdowns in each of Big Spring's playoff victories the past two weeks. He finished second in the Class 4A long jump at the state track meet last spring. He previously attended Mansfield Summitt High School, where he also competed in football and track.

Big Spring coach Phillip Ritchey did not return a phone call from The Associated Press. Steven Saldivar, an assistant superintendent with the Big Spring school district, told the AP that Woodard isn't expected to play in Big Spring's playoff game Friday against undefeated Everman in Abilene. A decision on further disciplinary action will be made when students return Monday from the Thanksgiving break, he said.

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