STOLEN MOPED LEADS TO FELONY GUN AND THEFT CHARGES

RobertGrandersonOn 9/4/14, at approximately 8:35 AM, an officer with the Benton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on two people riding a moped at the intersection of Smithers Dr. and Alcoa Road.  
 
The officer made contact with the operator of the moped, identified as Robert Granderson (34 YOA) of Benton, and a passenger.  The officer was speaking with Granderson, who appeared nervous, when a pistol dropped out of his waistband.  The officer then conducted a check on Granderson which revealed he was a convicted felon.  
 
The officer attempted to find registration on the moped, but couldn’t locate one and noticed the ignition on it had been ‘punched’ so it could be used without a key.  While investigating, it was revealed the vehicle identification number (VIN) had been filed off of the moped.  Further investigation determined the moped had been reported stolen out of Conway.  
 
Granderson was subsequently placed under arrest and is charged with Theft by Receiving, Mutilation of a Serial Number, and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons (Felon).  He was transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing.  
 
The investigation is on-going, but anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS.  Individuals also may send an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip.  A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.  
 
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.