Harvey Almorn Updyke Arrested For Auburn Tree Poisoning

The suspect accused of poisoning of oak trees at Auburn's historic Toomer's Corner has been arrested and identified as Harvey Almorn Updyke. There is a scheduled press conference today at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the matter further. Harvey Almorn Updyke, 62, from Dadeville, Ala., is to be charged with criminal mischief.

The herbicide applied to the trees is Spike 80DF, otherwise known as tebuthiuron. This could be the end to these beautiful trees. Spike 80DF is used to kill trees. According to officials, the suspect “deliberately applied in lethal amounts of Spike 80DF into the soil.”

Updyke apparently poisoned the oak trees because Auburn students rolled the trees to celebrate the death of Alabama coaching legend Paul “Bear” Bryant in 1983. This is very sad for the students and university officials at Auburn.

The 130-year old oak trees that were poisoned at Toomer's Corner.