Hiwasse Man Accused of Kidnapping and Raping a Woman
Incident Unfolded at Benton County
A disturbing incident has come to light in Benton County, Arkansas, involving a HIwasse man accused of kidnapping and raping a woman. According to reports, the entire ordeal took place around Walmart in Bentonville on a Monday last week. This shocking event has left the community shaken, and authorities are intensifying their investigation to ensure justice for the victim.
Details of the Crime
The alleged crime began when the victim went to the Walmart Supercenter in Bentonville. While leaving the store, she noticed a man in a dark hoodie and ski mask talking on the phone. This mysterious figure then approached her vehicle, jumped into the passenger seat, and showed her a gun, instructing her to stay calm but insisting she drive away from the Walmart area.
Nightmare Continues
The victim, following instructions from the masked man, ended up in a different parking lot before being ordered out of the car. The assailant allegedly hit her, threatened her with a gun, and then blindfolded and undressed her before proceeding with a reprehensible act. After the ordeal, he instructed the victim to take him back to Walmart, where he threw her phone out of the car and discouraged her from going to the police.
Identifying the Suspect
Thanks to video footage from Walmart and assistance from a local car dealership, detectives were able to track down and identify the suspect’s vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the car’s owner was Marco Morales, a 20-year-old man from Gravette. Morales was located at a WingStop in Rogers and later arrested on November 12.
Legal Consequences
Following his arrest, Morales was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, rape, and kidnapping. He is currently being held at the Benton County Jail on a 0,000 cash-only bail. A probable cause affidavit detailed the gruesome events of that day, with the victim seeking immediate medical attention after being taken to the NWA Sexual Assault Center.
Ongoing Investigation
The Bentonville Police Department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that the event appears to have been an isolated incident. However, they urged anyone who has had any related encounters or information about Morales to contact law enforcement immediately. The community is watching closely as this case unfolds, hoping for swift justice and the restoration of peace and security.
Contacting Authorities
If you have any information or concerns about this case or Marco Morales, contact the Bentonville Police Department without hesitation. Your help can play a crucial role in ensuring the victim receives justice and preventing similar incidents in the future.
