Deputy Arrests Vidor Man for Robbery in Buna

Kenneth Phelps, 21, of Vidor, was booked into the Jasper County Jail on a charge of Robbery. Photo Courtesy of JCSO.

BUNA, Texas – A Vidor man is behind bars following a robbery at the Little League ballpark in Buna on Saturday evening.

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., two Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to County Road 819 after receiving a report of a robbery in the parking lot. Investigators learned that Kenneth Phelps, 21, of Vidor, allegedly assaulted the mother of his child while attempting to take her cell phone.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Phelps struck the victim several times with a closed fist to the left side of her face, causing pain and injury. Despite being much smaller in stature, the victim fought back and attempted to recover her phone but was unsuccessful.

While deputies were conducting their investigation, Phelps reportedly contacted the Sheriff’s Office to file his own report. He was subsequently taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jasper County Jail. He is charged with Robbery, a Second-Degree Felony, under Chapter 29 of the Texas Penal Code.

Phelps is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Chuck Havard stated that he and his staff remain committed to combating criminal activity in Jasper County and ensuring the safety of its residents.