On 12/10/14, at approximately 7:10 am, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to a residential burglary in progress at 2700 Silica Heights Road. While in route to the call, officers were given descriptions of a suspect who was trying forcibly enter the residence according to a witness.
Upon their arrival, officers made contact with two suspects outside of the residence who were identified as Jody Washam (44 YOA) of Benton and Jason McCaslin (33 YOA) of Bryant. It was determined that McCaslin matched the description provided and Washam was with him and waiting in a nearby car. Based on information and evidence, both Washam and McCaslin were subsequently arrested.
McCaslin is charged with Attempted Residential Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Theft of Property, 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (one misdemeanor and one felony), Possession of an Instrument of Crime, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Washam is charged with Theft by Receiving, 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (one misdemeanor and one felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The possession of controlled substance charges stem from suspected marijuana and methamphetamine found during the investigation.
This is still an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming.
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.
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