Three Arrested in Jonesboro Commercial Burglary Investigation on Airport Road

JONESBORO, Ark. — Three individuals were arrested following a commercial burglary investigation at a closed business on Airport Road early Jan. 23, according to probable cause affidavits filed by the Jonesboro Police Department.

Officers were dispatched at approximately 2:50 a.m. after being advised that multiple suspects were seen on surveillance cameras inside the business. When officers arrived, they made entry into the building and located two adult males inside. A third male was located in a vehicle outside the business.

One of the individuals found inside the building was identified as Steve Randle, 49. During a search, officers located a small baggie containing a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine on Randle’s person, according to the affidavit. Detectives later confirmed with the business owner that the building, though closed to the public, is still used for storage.

Randle was interviewed by detectives and admitted to being inside the business taking items when officers arrived. He also admitted to being in possession of the suspected methamphetamine, police said.

Randle is charged with commercial burglary, possession of methamphetamine or cocaine, and failure to appear. Bond was set at $150,000 cash or surety, and the court ordered him to wear a GPS ankle monitor. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 27.

The second individual located inside the building was identified as Larry Donnel Childs, 43, who was also taken into custody. Officers noted Childs attempted to hide from them as they cleared the building.

Childs faces a Class C felony commercial burglary charge, along with contempt of court for nonpayment of fines and a parole violation. Bond for Childs was set at $150,000 cash or surety, and a GPS ankle monitor was ordered. He is also due back in court on Feb. 27.

The third individual, identified as Denson Rivers, 52, was located in a vehicle outside the business. Officers confirmed the vehicle tag returned to Rivers. A K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle, and a search was conducted.

According to the affidavit, officers located numerous tools and other property inside the vehicle. Officers also located a handgun in the front area of the truck. Investigators later determined the firearm had been reported stolen. Officers also found prescription medication in a bottle bearing a name other than Rivers’, police said.

While being transported to the Craighead County Detention Center, Rivers allegedly made statements regarding the firearm found in the vehicle. Detectives later confirmed with the business owner that the building is still being used for storage.

Rivers was interviewed by detectives and admitted to negotiating a fence surrounding the property and entering the building to take items, according to the affidavit. He also admitted the firearm found in his truck was his and made additional incriminating statements during the interview. Rivers denied knowing about the bottle of pills found in the vehicle.

Rivers is charged with commercial burglary, possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance not methamphetamine or cocaine, and theft by receiving a firearm. The possession and theft by receiving charges are Class D felonies. His bond was set at $150,000 cash or surety, and the court ordered a GPS ankle monitor. Rivers is also scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27.

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