Looting Arrests Made in Benton County Following Tornadoes
Last week’s Memorial Day weekend storms left widespread destruction across Northwest Arkansas, and some individuals took advantage of the devastation to commit crimes.
In Benton County, two individuals were arrested for looting a damaged store. Valeria Andrade, 28, and Juan Parra-Rodriguez, 26, were taken into custody on May 27 for stealing from a store in Rogers. The theft charges were escalated to class D felonies due to the ongoing state of emergency in the region.
Following their arrest, authorities discovered a stash of beauty products in their vehicle and backpack. Parra-Rodriguez confessed to the crime, stating that the stolen items were from Sally’s Beauty in Rogers. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance during the recovery period.
Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson emphasized the commitment to prosecuting looters to the fullest extent. “If you’re a victim, please inform us, and we’ll take action,” Robinson stated. “Additionally, we want to caution those who might consider taking advantage of the situation and committing a crime. You shouldn’t do that because, if you do, we’ll pay particular attention to you.
Residents are encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agencies. As communities work to recover, it is crucial to maintain a watchful eye to prevent crimes of opportunity like these.
Andrade was released on bond on May 29, while Parra-Rodriguez remains incarcerated. The duo is scheduled to appear in court on July 8.
