JONESBORO, Ark. – A shoplifting incident escalated to violence at a local footwear store in Jonesboro, resulting in a man facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
The incident took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. on July 17 at Rack Room Shoes, located at 1211 S. Caraway Road. According to police reports, a male suspect, later identified as Reco Smith, 29, of Hot Springs Nation, assaulted a female while attempting to shoplift a pair of shoes. The report did not clarify the extent of her injuries but they weren’t indicated to be serious.
Quick action by the Jonesboro police led to the arrest of Smith as he was fleeing towards a nearby McDonald’s. The report suggested the suspect may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
Arkansas law stipulates that robbery is committed when a person, intending to commit a felony or misdemeanor theft or to evade arrest immediately after committing such a crime, employs or threatens to employ physical force on another person. As such, Smith, originally thought to be facing a simple misdemeanor shoplifting charge, now faces several more serious charges.
In addition to the felony robbery charge, Smith has been charged with misdemeanors for battery, theft, and fleeing.
The investigation into the incident continues.
Be the first to comment