Utah Man Faces Arrest for Burglary and Child Neglect

In a striking incident during a September heat wave, a Utah man, identified as 31-year-old Dylan Deverall, was arrested alongside his 4-year-old son after reportedly camping at Body Beach with minimal supplies. Authorities allege the father and son survived on marshmallows and chips while exposed to the harsh elements until Deverall’s arrest on felony charges last Monday.

The situation escalated on September 23 when a local outdoorsman returned from a watercraft outing to discover his Jeep vandalized and items rifled through. Witnesses state that Deverall and his child were present nearby, leading the victim to suspect their involvement.

Feeling threatened, the victim attempted to confront Deverall, reportedly falling during the chase and sustaining minor injuries. In the ensuing chaos, he seized Deverall’s backpack to prevent his escape, which was later discovered at their campsite.

Upon further investigation, the victim found a pocket knife missing from his vehicle, estimating repairs for the damaged window would cost around $200. Police at the scene interviewed Deverall, who alleged that the victim ignited the conflict and claimed to have been attacked with an open hand aimed at his child.

Despite Deverall’s allegations, police noted that the child did not appear harmed but showed signs of severe sunburn from prolonged exposure to the sun. Deverall’s claim of fear for himself and the child’s safety raised further suspicions among officers.

When pressed for identification, Deverall failed to provide valid documentation, leading officers to suspect he was using a false name. The child, however, would later identify Deverall correctly, prompting further inquiries.

Upon examining the makeshift campsite, authorities discovered evidence of unsanitary conditions, including empty alcohol containers and strong odors of body odor, as well as numerous bees swarming the area. In a concerning revelation, the child mentioned wearing the same pants for two weeks and hinted that Deverall may have broken the victim’s window using a rock.

As a result of these findings, the child was placed in the custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Deverall faces multiple charges, including third-degree burglary and child neglect, as well as charges for not identifying himself and providing false information to law enforcement. His case is currently pending in Lake Havasu Justice Court, with filings recorded on September 29.