On 1/28/13, detectives observed suspects in a vehicle from recent theft incidents they were investigating.  The suspect vehicle was pulled over and detectives made contact with the suspects, Kevin Kelley (W/M, 39 YOA) and Kristy Stuckey (W/F, 33 YOA).

During the course of speaking with the suspects, detectives determined they were in possession of stolen merchandise in their vehicle and took both of them into custody.  Kelley and Stuckey were both charged with Theft by Receiving (Felony) and transported to the Saline County Detention Facility.  Additionally, Stuckey is an active parolee and Kelley is an absconder out of probation and parole.

Both suspects are responsible for numerous thefts in the Central AR area, involving car lots and construction sites, and detectives are working with other agencies to see if they are responsible for others.  The total estimated value of items they stole is approximately $8,350 and that number could increase if they are linked to other crimes.

The New Year has started and we would like to take the time to talk about some ways to keep you and your family safe.  Some of the programs we will mention are currently in place and others are new ones coming in the near future, but we hope that all of them will help enhance your safety this year.

Solving crime is our business and we have numerous ways you can report information to us including over the phone and the internet.  About two years ago we added the ability to send anonymous texts through our text-a-tip program.  Individuals may send an anonymous tip to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text.  Using this program encourages people to come forward if they have information about a crime and it allows us to help them.

Smart911 is another program that is offered to the entire state of Arkansas free of charge.  By signing up for the Smart911 system you can convey useful information to first responders (fire, police, and medical) that you feel they should be aware of such a medical conditions or special instructions on how to reach emergency contacts.  The system is only available for a 45 minute window in the event you dial 911 and your profile is valid anywhere in the state.  You can sign up by going to www.smart911.com

On 1/24/13, at approximately 7:45 AM, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to 421 Richards St. on report of an unresponsive individual.

Upon their arrival it was determined the resident, Charles Matthews (W/M, 49 YOA), was found in the home deceased.  This is an on-going investigation and there is no foul play suspected in the case at this time.

The Benton Police Department would like to warn citizen’s about the potential dangers of online buying and selling.  Two reports were recently taken where suspects attempted to scam people out of money involving the online sale site Craigslist.

In one of the incidents the seller was attempting to sell clothing on Craigslist and was contacted by a potential ‘buyer’ about their item.  The ‘buyer’ agreed to send the seller a check in the mail and when the seller received it she noticed the check was for $1,920.00, although the dress was only $300.  The ‘buyer’ asked her to keep the $300 for the dress and send the rest back to them, but thankfully the seller took the time to check with her bank about the check.

It turned out the bank account the check was written from had insufficient funds which would have caused the seller to be responsible for the money.  After the seller contacted the suspect, the suspect became very angry and threatened them.  No further contact has been made between them and attempts to locate the suspect are under investigation.