DECATUR — Two separate incidents within a three-day period landed two Decatur residents in the Benton County lockup.
In the first incident, Decatur Police officer Randy Deason was parked on the corner of Grant Ave. and Charley St. running radar when he noticed a grey van driving at a high rate of speed. After Deason verified the speed by radar, he effected a traffic stop near downtown Decatur May 10, according to police reports.
The driver, Mark Anthony Gardner (49) of Decatur, drove to the four-way stop light on Main St. and Roller Ave. After stopping at the intersection, Gardner turned east onto Roller Ave. He pulled into the Handy Mart parking lot on Roller Ave. where Deason exited his car and walked toward the Gardner vehicle, police reports state.
After identifying himself, Deason asked Gardner for a valid drivers licence and insurance, police reports said. Gardner was allegedly unable to produce either document. As Gardner was looking for valid identification, Deason noticed the strong odor of alcohol and observed empty beer cans on the floor of the vehicle. When asked if he had been drinking, Gardner allegedly said no.
After running Gardner through the department data base, Deason found that he had a suspended license out of Arkansas for a previous driving while intoxicated charge, according to police reports.
Gardner was given a field sobriety test, which he allegedly failed. He was arrested and taken to Benton County for processing.
A search of the van allegedly revealed a green leafy material which was later identified as marijuana, according to police reports. Continued search of the van allegedly revealed a black trash bag full of marijuana under the seat. In all, Deason found a total of 12.3 ounces in Gardner's vehicle, according to police reports.
Gardner was charged with possession of marijuana, driving while intoxicated, driver's license suspended for DWI, and speeding. A court date was set for June 20, 2016, in Benton County Court.
In the second incident, Decatur police received a report of a break in at the Iva Jane Peek Public Library May 11. Sergeant Joe Savage, the investigating officer, reported that there was no sign of forced entry. However, the rear entrance to the library was found unlocked. Karen Jones, library manager, reported that $25 was missing. No suspects were found at the time.
Two days later, on May 13, Jones reported a second break in. The Decatur Police found no sign of forcible entry and the back door was unlocked.
No money was missing. However, the library's computers, phone systems and furniture were sprayed with a liquid lubricant.
An empty bag was found on the floor, leading police to believe that the perpetrator was looking for money and, when none was found, damaged the library equipment out of frustration, according to police.
Evidence at the second scene led to the arrest of a juvenile community service worker who was present just prior to the library closing on both days, police said.
The juvenile was charged with theft, commercial burglary and criminal mischief. No court date was set.
General News on 05/25/2016