Police arrest two, recover property

GRAVETTE -- Police have arrested two juveniles in connection with reported thefts from motor vehicles on Dec. 11 and 12 and have recovered some of the property reported stolen and suspect that other property found may also be stolen.

According to information released by Gravette police chief, Andrew Bower, on Dec. 12, Gravette police officers received numerous complaints from members of the public about unlocked vehicles being entered on the southwest side of town during the previous night. The vehicles were entered and rifled through, with various items being stolen out of some of the vehicles.

Officers were able to obtain footprints at the various crime scenes and were able to follow the tracks intermittently in the snow but could not determine a destination due to the number of cleared roads that were crossed, the release states.

On the night of Dec. 12, Officers Bryan Smith and Braxton Handle arrested an intoxicated juvenile in the area of Sixth Avenue and noted that he had several different packages of cigarettes on him. The next day, Officer Chuck Skaggs developed further information and alerted Officers Smith, Scott Gillming and Handle. Officer Gillming questioned two juveniles (including the one arrested by Officer Smith on the previous night) and obtained consent to search a residence in town. A third uninvolved juvenile directed the officers with information as to where in the house to search.

The officers located a large amount of assorted property and recovered two firearms (one pistol and one rifle) that had been reported stolen at the time, according to the release.

Both juveniles were charged and turned over to the discretion of Juvenile Services authorities, the release states.

The investigation is ongoing and the Gravette Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating any further stolen property and further victims. The Gravette Police Department is in possession of several items which are thought to be stolen but are not listed in reports.

"Citizens who have not already reported items stolen are highly encouraged to contact the Gravette Police Department to report the thefts and identify any property related to the crimes which occurred on December 11 and 12," said Chief Bower.

Gravette Police Department's office number is 787-6948.

General News on 12/18/2013