Arkadelphia police arrested a man early Thursday afternoon they believe is connected to a string of home invasions in the city and an armed robbery on Clay Street.
Jucobbi Balch, 18, was apprehended without incident at his residence, 411 N. Austin St., after Clark County Prosecutor Blake Batson issued a warrant for his arrest. According to Sgt. Pete Dixon, criminal investigator for the Arkadelphia Police Department, Batson filed formal charges against Balch after an investigation that included eyewitness identification in a photo lineup and cooperation from confidential sources.
Those charges, on file with the Clark County Circuit Clerk, include two counts of theft of property and two counts of residential burglary.
One of the witnesses, Dixon said, was a victim whom Balch allegedly burglarized. The victim went inside Balch’s home and recovered the property that Balch apparently stole.
Dixon said Balch may also be tied to the armed robbery of a disabled woman. He and another suspect last week allegedly burst into the woman’s home on the 1000 block of Clay Street, threatening to shoot her and demanding money.
According to criminal investigator Sgt. Roy Bethell, the woman called police on March 7, “crying and very upset.” She said she was sleeping in her home when she was awakened by two black males standing over her, wearing hoodies over their faces. One of the men was pointing a silver handgun at her while the other was coaxing him to shoot her.
She “had trouble getting out of bed, and one subject repeatedly told the other to shoot her,” Bethell said. “They told her they would go after her family if she didn’t hurry up and give them the money.” The suspects fled with $150 cash after the victim was able to get out of bed and give them money.
As the men left, the woman turned on a light in the room. The suspects turned around, giving the victim a look at the men. The woman told police she knew the suspects, who fled afoot on Clay Street, but could not remember their names.
The second suspect has yet to be identified, and police are asking that anyone with information regarding the incident call APD at 246-4545. All information, Dixon said, will be kept confidential.
Bethell and Dixon received information from witnesses that Balch was the person responsible for the incidents, and one victim “quickly” identified Balch as the suspect.
Police and eyewitnesses said Balch fits the description of the man who burglarized several area homes and apartments while the residents were home. Among the items stolen were televisions, purses and video game systems.
Balch faces two counts of residential burglary, Class B felonies punishable by 5-20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000; and two counts of theft of property. Additionally, Balch may face aggravated robbery charges. Batson had yet to formally file the aggravated robbery charges at presstime Friday.
Bond will not be set for Balch until after his first appearance, which is scheduled for next week. Batson’s recommended bond is $150,000, plus an electronic ankle monitor.
Batson applauded Arkadelphia police. “Solving these cases so quickly is another example of the great law enforcement officers we have in our county that work tirelessly to protect us.”
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Arkadelphia police arrested a man early Thursday afternoon they believe is connected to a string of home invasions in the city and an armed robbery on Clay Street.
Jucobbi Balch, 18, was apprehended without incident at his residence, 411 N. Austin St., after Clark County Prosecutor Blake Batson issued a warrant for his arrest. According to Sgt. Pete Dixon, criminal investigator for the Arkadelphia Police Department, Batson filed formal charges against Balch after an investigation that included eyewitness identification in a photo lineup and cooperation from confidential sources.
Those charges, on file with the Clark County Circuit Clerk, include two counts of theft of property and two counts of residential burglary.
One of the witnesses, Dixon said, was a victim whom Balch allegedly burglarized. The victim went inside Balch’s home and recovered the property that Balch apparently stole.
Dixon said Balch may also be tied to the armed robbery of a disabled woman. He and another suspect last week allegedly burst into the woman’s home on the 1000 block of Clay Street, threatening to shoot her and demanding money.
According to criminal investigator Sgt. Roy Bethell, the woman called police on March 7, “crying and very upset.” She said she was sleeping in her home when she was awakened by two black males standing over her, wearing hoodies over their faces. One of the men was pointing a silver handgun at her while the other was coaxing him to shoot her.
She “had trouble getting out of bed, and one subject repeatedly told the other to shoot her,” Bethell said. “They told her they would go after her family if she didn’t hurry up and give them the money.” The suspects fled with $150 cash after the victim was able to get out of bed and give them money.
As the men left, the woman turned on a light in the room. The suspects turned around, giving the victim a look at the men. The woman told police she knew the suspects, who fled afoot on Clay Street, but could not remember their names.
The second suspect has yet to be identified, and police are asking that anyone with information regarding the incident call APD at 246-4545. All information, Dixon said, will be kept confidential.
Bethell and Dixon received information from witnesses that Balch was the person responsible for the incidents, and one victim “quickly” identified Balch as the suspect.
Police and eyewitnesses said Balch fits the description of the man who burglarized several area homes and apartments while the residents were home. Among the items stolen were televisions, purses and video game systems.
Balch faces two counts of residential burglary, Class B felonies punishable by 5-20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000; and two counts of theft of property. Additionally, Balch may face aggravated robbery charges. Batson had yet to formally file the aggravated robbery charges at presstime Friday.
Bond will not be set for Balch until after his first appearance, which is scheduled for next week. Batson’s recommended bond is $150,000, plus an electronic ankle monitor.
Batson applauded Arkadelphia police. “Solving these cases so quickly is another example of the great law enforcement officers we have in our county that work tirelessly to protect us.”
