Police Make Arrested Related to April Break-Ins in Paragould

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A suspect faces numerous felony charges in connection with several vehicle break-ins that were reported back in April in Paragould.

The calls came in between 1:50 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on April 9, 2024, to Paragould Emergency Services, with individuals reporting a suspicious male in a hoodie, carrying a backpack, and snooping around people’s yards and driveways, according to the probable cause affidavit. One caller advised the male had taken off running when observed by the caller.

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At about 3:44 a.m., an officer went to the area in which the suspect had run and located a black male wearing all-black clothing and a black backpack. The man was bent over in the backseat of a black Kia Optima parked in a vacant lot. As the officer attempted to make contact, the male began walking toward him and then fled on foot, the affidavit said.

The officer did not pursue the fleeing male, as the co-defendant stayed in the car and did not flee. The co-defendant was found to be on active probation with a search waiver on file. Officers searched and found multiple identification cards and credit and debit cards belonging to residents from around the area of the suspicious person calls.

However, police also found a cellphone with an identification card and credit/debit cards belonging to the defendant, Stevenson Whitfield Jr. The vehicle was registered to the defendant’s known girlfriend. The co-defendant also reportedly made incriminating statements.

As police continued to investigate, they learned multiple victims reported ID cards, credit cards, wallets, and three firearms stolen out of multiple vehicles in the area.

On April 10, a search warrant was conducted on the phone. Police reported finding evidence linked to the crimes within the phone.

Stevenson Whitfield Jr., 25, was arrested on October 1 and faces a list of charges that includes four counts of breaking or entering, three counts of theft of property (firearm), three counts of theft of property, and three counts of possession of firearms by certain persons. All of the charges are Class D felonies punishable by up to six years in prison. He also faces a misdemeanor fleeing charge.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.