Cpl. Bart Veal

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-798-2368 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Green Line Equipment Sales, A04-5512

On 07/26/04 at 12:28am Sgt. Bobby Jordan spotted an old Chevrolet half ton truck carrying a brand new John Deer riding lawn mower in the bed. The truck was traveling from the area of Green Line Equipment a John Deer dealership at 4015 East 9th or Hwy 82. Several thefts of lawn mowers and other equipment have occurred at this dealership in the past. Sgt. Jordan watched as the driver of the truck failed to stop at a stop sign in the intersection of 19th and Oats. As Sgt. Jordan attempted to stop the truck the driver and a passenger fled the vehicle. Running south through a residential area. Sgt. Jordan called for assistance and coordinated containment and search teams. During the search tips from a resident in the neighborhood led officers to a wooded area south of the vehicle stop. Officer Douglas and his partner K-9 Bruno, led a search which resulted in the discovery of the two suspects. One of the suspects, 45 year-old James Griffin of Texarkana Arkansas, refused to comply with lawful commands and subdued by K-9 Bruno. 34 year-old Phillip Burnet of Texarkana Arkansas was also arrested.

Officers later located another riding lawn mower and a generator in the wooded area around Green Line Equipment Sales. The total value of recovered items was over $3800.00.

The two men were charged with Theft of Property over $2500.00 a class B felony, and misdemeanor counts of fleeing and resisting arrest. They are currently being held in the county jail with bonds of $30.000.00.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.