Suspect Accused of Stealing $1,300 in Merchandise from Paragould Walmart

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Jonesboro man is accused of stealing more than $1,300 worth of merchandise from Walmart and giving officers a false name during his arrest.

According to the Paragould Police Department’s affidavit, officers were dispatched to Walmart, 2802 W. Kingshighway, on Oct. 5 after staff reported a theft. An employee told police that the suspect, later identified as Randy L. Barnes, 40, of Jonesboro, left the store with about $1,355 in unpaid merchandise.

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While speaking with officers, Barnes allegedly provided a false name and date of birth. After he was taken to the police department, officers used online databases to confirm his identity. Investigators said Barnes has multiple prior theft and commercial burglary convictions, including from earlier incidents at Walmart locations where he had been banned from the property.

Barnes faces charges of commercial burglary, a Class C felony; theft, a Class D felony; obstructing governmental operations, a misdemeanor; and contempt of court for failure to pay fines.

Bond had not yet been set as of this report.

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