On 6/15/14, at approximately 4:48 AM, Benton Police Officers responded to Tractor Supply (17318 I-30) on report of a business alarm. Upon their arrival, officers observed a U-Haul truck backed up to the rear of the building that had merchandise in it from the business.
Officers then observed three suspects running from the business and gave chase. After a short foot pursuit one suspect, later identified as James Weddle (47 YOA), was apprehended without further issues. Another suspect, identified as Adam Darrough (26 YOA), was later apprehended in the area by officers. A third suspect that was involved was not located in the area, but detectives are working on locating him at this time.
It was determined by detectives that the U-Haul truck had been stolen out of Little Rock just prior to this incident. The lock on the back gate to Tractor Supply was found to have been cut and a zero-turn lawnmower belonging to the business was found in the U-Haul truck.
Weddle and Darrough are both charged with Commercial Burglary, Theft of Property, Theft by Receiving, and Criminal Mischief. Additionally, Darrough was also charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor due to the fact that he left his three year old child in a separate vehicle at the crime scene.
This is still an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming. Anybody with information related to this case 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.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
