On 8/25/13, at approximately 11:54 AM, an officer with the Benton Police Department was conducting routine patrol in the area of S. First St. when he observed a suspicious person leaning over some power tools near them. The officer stopped to investigate further and when going to make contact with the suspect, another citizen informed him they just saw the suspect leave the backyard of a neighbor’s residence.
The officer then made contact with the suspect, later identified as James Gideon (W/M, 24 YOA), and spoke with him about the tools. It was gleaned through further investigation that the tools had been stolen from a residence on S. First Street, while the elderly resident was away at church.
Gideon was subsequently placed under arrest for Breaking or Entering and Theft of Property. He was transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing without incident. This is 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 778-1171 or 315-TIPS. Individuals also may send an anonymous tip to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com and submit a tip there.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.