Kidnapping at Bentonville Walmart: Police Arrest Suspect
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a kidnapping took place at the Bentonville Walmart Supercenter on November 11, 2024. The victim, a woman, reported being abducted and raped after leaving the store.
The Incident Unfolds
The woman, according to an affidavit, went to the Supercenter at 4:30 p.m. Monday. As she was leaving, she noticed a man wearing a dark sweatshirt with the hoodie up and a ski mask. The man, later identified as 20-year-old Marcos Antonio Morales, jumped into the passenger seat of her vehicle, displaying a pistol and ordering her to drive. He directed her to a school on Melissa Drive, where he instructed her to back into a parking spot near bushes.
Confrontation and Assault
Morales struck the woman in the head and ordered her out of the car. The victim attempted to run away but was threatened with the gun. He then placed her in the rear cargo area and later told her to get in the backseat with him. Morales ordered her to blindfold herself and undress before raping her, according to the affidavit.
Aftermath and Police Action
After the assault, Morales instructed the woman to drive him back to the Walmart Supercenter. He discarded her cellphone and walked away when she stopped at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office parking lot. A police officer noticed her emotional state and saw blood on her chest along with a laceration on her forehead.
Identification and Arrest
Police obtained video footage from the Walmart and identified Morales through multiple means, including a pink plushie toy on the dash of his vehicle, a blue Ford Mustang. They reviewed video from the McLarty Daniel car dealership showing Morales picking up his vehicle in identical clothing seen in the Walmart video. Police visited Morales’ home but found him not present.
Latest Developments
Morales was arrested on Tuesday in connection with rape, kidnapping, terroristic threatening, and aggravated assault. Judge Robin Green set his bond at 0,000 cash only, with prosecutors describing him as a threat to the community. Morales could face additional charges, including multiple rape charges for his attack on the woman[1].
Key Points
– Incident Details:
– Date: November 11, 2024
– Location: Bentonville Walmart Supercenter
– Victim Report: Woman abducted and raped
– Suspect Information:
– Name: Marcos Antonio Morales
– Age: 20
– Charges: Rape, Kidnapping, Terroristic Threatening, Aggravated Assault
– Arrest and Bond:
– Arrested: Tuesday, 2024
– Bond: 0,000 cash only
– Community Reaction:
– Prosecutor Descrption: Morales is considered a threat to the community.
– Policing Efforts:
– Biological Evidence: Police gathered evidence against Morales.
– Identification Methods: Multiple identification methods used including vehicle video footage and witness identification.
The community has been left shaken by this incident, and authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served. The case highlights the importance of community safety and swift law enforcement action in such heinous crimes.
