PEA RIDGE — Four teens have been arrested for the Jan. 18 theft of two trucks, authorities said.
Police were notified 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 department’s parking area gate damaged, a window broken, keys stolen from the office and two trucks missing, authorities said.
Later that morning, police found the second truck on Greer Street, undamaged. A resident found the keys in the road, police said.
Investigation led to the arrest of two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, police said. It appears one of the boys had knowledge of the city’s Street Department facilities from doing community service there, police said.
Police said they believe the four traveled in the two trucks to Gateway where they damaged the city park grounds doing "donuts” before tearing out a chain link fence and crashing into one of the sandstone pillars.
One of 14-year-olds was arrested in connection with felony breaking or entering, felony theft of property and misdemeanor criminal mischief. He was booked into the Benton County Juvenile Detention Center, according to authorities.
The 16-year-old was arrested in connection with felony breaking or entering. He was cited and released, police said.
The second 14-year-old was arrested in connection with felony breaking or entering, felony theft of property and misdemeanor criminal mischief, police said. He was also cited and released.
The 15-year-old was arrested in connection with felony breaking or entering, felony theft of property and misdemeanor criminal mischief, police said. He was booked into the Benton County Juvenile Detention Center.
Pea Ridge Police Chief Tim Ledbetter said the charges reflect those in connection with the Pea Ridge thefts only. Additional charges may be filed in connection with the damage at Gateway.