Police: A-State ID Scan Helped Identify Suspect in Jonesboro Gate-Ramming Case

JONESBORO, Ark. — A man accused of deliberately driving through a security gate on East Johnson Avenue at about 3:41 a.m. Sept. 27 was identified after detectives traced his vehicle to Arkansas State University and checked an ID badge scan at a campus parking lot, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Holt Asher Dunn turned himself in at the Craighead County Detention Center on Oct. 21 after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest Oct. 7, the affidavit states. He faces a charge of first-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony.

Officers responded to a property damage report Sept. 28. A property manager told the responding officer that a small white hatchback SUV had intentionally rammed through the property’s security gate the previous morning, according to the affidavit.

Investigators obtained security footage of the incident and an additional video showing the vehicle stopping, the driver getting out and back in, and the vehicle moving to another area of the property.

During the follow-up investigation, detectives used the city’s camera system to track the vehicle and determined it had originated from the A-State campus. They contacted university police for help identifying the vehicle and driver.

University police provided footage of a white Ford Focus hatchback and its driver. The footage showed the suspect entering a separate gated parking lot that required an ID badge for access, according to the affidavit.

University police confirmed that the ID scanned at the time of entry belonged to Dunn, the affidavit states. A records check showed Dunn was the registered owner of a white Ford Focus hatchback with a license plate matching the vehicle in the related security footage.

Detectives also reported that the driver seen getting out of and returning to the vehicle had the same stature and build as Dunn.

The estimated cost of replacement parts to repair the gate was $2,216.09, according to the affidavit.

Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause to detain Dunn pending further proceedings Oct. 21. Bond was set at $7,500 cash or surety.

Dunn’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23 in Craighead County Circuit Court.

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