Brandis Brown (left)/ Malachi Carey (right)
BNPD received a request around 12:04 p.m. Wednesday to attempt to locate a stolen vehicle and identify or arrest any occupants. OnStar Vehicle Services had reportedly disabled the ignition while it was stationary at Academy Sports in Benton.
A plain-clothes officer spotted and followed the suspects into Newk’s Eatery, but they became suspicious and fled. One juvenile suspect was taken into custody at the restaurant. A second juvenile suspect was located near Discount Tire shortly after.
Brandis Brown, 20, of Little Rock was found in tall grass near the site around 12:30 and taken into custody without incident. Bryant Police located the final suspect, Malachi Carey, 19, of Little Rock a short time later. Three of the four suspects were found in possession of weapons and ammunition.
All suspects were charged with Theft by Receiving (stolen vehicle), and three of the four were charged with Fleeing. One of the juvenile offenders was also charged with Theft by Receiving a Stolen Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor. The stolen vehicle was returned to the owner.
BNPD is grateful for the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Bryant Police Department, and Arkansas State Police. This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Benton Police Department at 501-776-5947 or 501-778-1171, or via the tip line at 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the message, via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play or at www.cityprotect.com.