On 7/5/15, at approximately 8:36 PM, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to the Relax Inn (17900 I-30) on report of an assault.
Upon officers arrival, they made contact with the victim who told them a suspect, later identified as Chelsea Chilcutt (23 YOA) of Benton, had physically assaulted her. The victim alleged that Chilcutt struck her and then cut her arm with a knife during a disturbance they had. The victim said Chilcutt and another individual, identified as Sherman Hankins (39 YOA) of Benton, then stole some items from her before leaving the hotel. Officers attempted to make contact with Chilcutt and Hankins, but were unable to at the time of the call.
At approximately 9:53 PM, officers responded to the area of Kelley Street on report of people randomly knocking on doors in the neighborhood causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Hankins who was believed to be under the influence of an intoxicating beverage. Knowing they were traveling together, officers continued searching the area and subsequently located Chilcutt at another residence.
Chilcutt and Hankins were both placed under arrest and transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing. Chilcutt was charged with Aggravated Residential Burglary, Theft of Property, Public Intoxication, and Battery 2nd Degree. Hankins was charged with Residential Burglary, Theft of Property, and Public Intoxication. Additionally, Hankins is an active parolee out of the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections. This is an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming for them.
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 us an anonymous crime tip about these incidents 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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