Jonesboro Suspect Accused of Breaking Into Homes, Dragging Resident; Bond Set at $1 Million

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro suspect is accused of breaking into multiple residences, chasing one resident and dragging another down a sidewalk during a series of incidents that ended with police finding him covered in blood.

Reco Ledale Smith, 32, faces two counts of aggravated residential burglary, three counts of first-degree criminal mischief and one count each of cruelty to animals, possession of less than 2 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, breaking or entering, first-degree false imprisonment, third-degree battery and second-degree criminal impersonation.

Smith also faces criminal-attempt charges alleging attempted aggravated residential burglary, attempted breaking or entering and attempted second-degree battery of a law enforcement officer.

Alleged Break-Ins Begin on North Fisher Street

Jonesboro police responded July 18 to a residential burglary in progress on North Fisher Street.

The resident told police that dogs began barking while the resident was taking a shower. After checking, the resident allegedly saw an unknown person breaking the glass on a side door and forcing entry into the home.

Police said the resident ran into a bedroom, with the intruder chasing close behind, and managed to lock the door before the person could enter.

While hiding, the resident allegedly heard the intruder kicking the dogs and attempting to leave through a back door. The resident later saw the person leave through the same damaged side door used to enter.

Officers found blood in the carport and dining room and on several windows throughout the home. Police said several additional windows had also been broken.

Second Resident Allegedly Dragged Down Sidewalk

While investigating, officers heard screaming from nearby Drake Street. They followed the screams and found Smith covered in blood outside a residence, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Police said Smith repeatedly refused commands to get on the ground, requiring officers to physically restrain him.

Smith had several large cuts on his arms consistent with injuries from broken glass, the affidavit states. Police said he was extremely agitated and repeatedly yelled that he was ready to “bust that bitch” and “shoot that bitch.”

Officers allegedly found a bag containing suspected methamphetamine while searching Smith.

Because of his injuries, Smith was taken by ambulance to St. Bernards Medical Center. Police said he attempted to bite an officer who was restraining him inside the ambulance.

Investigators later determined that after leaving the North Fisher Street home, Smith allegedly forced his way into a vacant apartment on Drake Street by damaging a door frame and breaking a rear window. Police found blood throughout the apartment.

Smith then allegedly went to an adjoining residence and repeatedly knocked while yelling, “Police! Police! Open up!”

The resident went downstairs believing the door was locked, but Smith had already entered, according to the affidavit.

Police said Smith grabbed the resident by the shirt, pulled the person outside and caused the resident to fall. Smith allegedly dragged the resident along the sidewalk, causing injuries to the person’s hands and legs.

The resident eventually broke free and ran across the street, but Smith allegedly chased and caught up. Police said he then attempted to force his way into another residence, tried to enter a locked vehicle and made another attempt to enter the home before officers arrived.

Investigators collected several videos that police said corroborated the residents’ statements and documented Smith’s actions.

After receiving medical treatment, Smith was taken to the Craighead County Detention Center. Booking records show he was arrested July 19.

‘Where the Justice at for Me?’

During Wednesday’s bond hearing, Smith told Judge David Boling that he believed people were trying to kill him.

“Some guy was trying to kill me. Some guy was trying to get after me,” Smith said. “Some people are after me and trying to harm me.”

Smith said he believed he was “fixing to die” and was trying to determine the best way to protect himself.

Boling told Smith that he should have called police.

“I didn’t have a phone,” Smith replied.

Smith then said he ran to police and told officers he was in danger. Boling responded that police did not report that version of events.

Smith asked why there was no justice for him. Boling responded that kidnapping someone and breaking into people’s homes was not the best way to find justice.

Boling called Smith “a danger to the public” and set bond at $1 million.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.