Officer Kristi Mitchell

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

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

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Suspects Arrested in Armed Robbery and Forgery

On November 19th at 8:00PM, Texarkana Arkansas Police responded to a call of an armed robbery in the parking lot of 4300 North State Line Avenue. The victim stated he was approached by two juvenile males, who produced a handgun while demanding money. The victim gave the suspects his wallet before they fled the area on foot. The victim (along with witnesses to the incident) was able to provide officers with a clear and detailed description of both suspects.

After a short time, officers responded to the 4100 block of Rustin Circle in reference to an unknown problem. A pizza delivery driver advised he was threatened by occupants of a residence when he refused to accept a check for payment of a pizza delivery. The driver said he became suspicious of the check when none of the occupants would provide positive identification. The driver also noted the residence of the delivery was not the same address of that on the check. Once the driver refused delivery to the residence, the occupants began to threaten and argue with him.

As officers were investigating the call it was determined the name of the person on the check had previously reported being the victim of an armed robbery in June of 2007, where checks were stolen.

The investigation continued and consent to search the residence was given to officers. Inside the residence, Officer Ed Chattaway and Detective Sam McJunkins located two very similar “hoodie” sweatshirts, a handgun, and a large amount of cash. In addition to the search more of the stolen checks were also located.

Due to all of the collected evidence and witness statements, one juvenile male and Hunter Tharp, w/m 18yoa, were arrested for aggravated robbery. Laura Buckley, w/f 20yoa, was arrested for forgery, hindering apprehension, and tampering with physical evidence.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is encouraged to notify TAPD or Texarkana area CrimeStoppers at 903-793-STOP.

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