Robbery Attempt Leads to Arrests

Report: Women Said They Wanted Marijuana

Friday, January 25, 2013

— Police arrested five people in connection with a failed robbery attempt Thursday morning that may have been drug-related.

Brandy Smith, 32, of 14993 Prairie Grove Lake Road in Prairie Grove; Shitika Crudip, 25, and Ladderick K. Watts, 29, both of 1733 Preservation Place in Fayetteville; Aaron J. Walton, 20, of 2321 Orchard St. No. 204 in Fayetteville; and Michael A. Buchanan, 20, of 2108 N. Garland in Fayetteville face felony charges in connection with aggravated residential burglary and engaging in violent group activity.

Officers were called to 1791 Pine Crest Ave. for a report of an armed person.

According to an arrest report, Crudip and Smith contacted the residents of the home because their car broke down and they needed to use the phone. While they were on the phone, the residents said they heard a knock on the door. When they opened it, Walton and Watts tried to force their way inside, according to the report. Police said the men had their faces covered and Watts brandished a handgun. The resident forced the door shut and called police.

Walton and Watts fled, and Buchanan picked up Smith and Crudip, the report stated. Police said the two women admitted they planned to rob the residence with Walton, Watts and Buchanan because they wanted to steal marijuana.

All five were arrested and taken to the Washington County Detention Center. Buchanan, Crudip and Watts were being held on $25,000 bond. Smith was released on her own recognizance Thursday.

Walton was being held on $250,000 bond. He also faces charges in connection with a shooting on West End Avenue in Fayetteville last summer