Four juvenile males — three of whom do not have driver’s licenses — were arrested in connection with stealing two city trucks on Jan. 17. Two were arrested Friday, Jan. 24, one was arrested Saturday, Jan. 25, and the fourth was arrested Monday, Jan. 27, according to police records.
The theft occurred after midnight Jan. 18, police said. At 3:42 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, police were notified that a Pea Ridge city truck was crashed into the sandstone pillar supporting the arch over the entrance to the Gateway City Park.
Nathan See, Street Department superintendent, found the Street Department parking area gate damaged, a window broken and keys stolen from the office and two trucks missing. Later that morning, police found the second truck on Greer Street, undamaged. An area resident found the keys later that day in the roadway.
Throughout the week, police discovered evidence and gained information that led to getting a search warrant for a residence on Hayden Road as well as an arrest warrant a 14-year-old male. On Friday, police searched his residence and arrested him on suspicion felony breaking and entering, felony theft of property and misdemeanor criminal mischief. He was booked into the Benton County Juvenile Detention Center. A 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion felony breaking and entering. He was cited and released.
On Saturday, another 14-year-old was arrested at his home on suspicion of felony breaking and entering, felony theft of property and misdemeanor criminal mischief. He was cited and released.
On Monday police arrested a 15-year-old on suspicion felony breaking and entering, felony theft of property, criminal mischief. He was booked into the Benton County Juvenile Detention Center.
“This could have turned out a whole lot worse, even deadly, due to inexperienced drivers behind the wheels of these two vehicles,” Police Chief Tim Ledbetter said.
Ledbetter said said it appears that one of the boys had knowledge of the city’s Street Department facilities from performing community service there.
Damage to the city of Pea Ridge is in excess of $10,000, according to city officials.