Two Juveniles Charged After 17 Vehicle Break-Ins in Bentonville Area

Two juveniles have been charged in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins in the Bentonville area, according to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded July 7 to the 2500 block of Stonewall Jackson Highway after receiving a report of two people entering a vehicle. Deputies located two juveniles nearby who matched the caller’s description.

Investigators later connected the juveniles to 17 vehicle break-in incidents reported in the Bentonville area since June 1, including seven incidents that occurred between about 5 and 7:30 a.m. on July 7.

Both juveniles were taken into custody and are being held pending court proceedings. A firearm stolen during one of the break-ins was recovered.

The first juvenile has been charged with larceny of a firearm, two counts of larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, six counts of breaking and entering or tampering with a vehicle, larceny of property valued at less than $1,000, destruction of property valued at less than $1,000, and trespassing with intent to damage property.

The second juvenile has been charged with larceny of a firearm, larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, six counts of breaking and entering or tampering with a vehicle, and larceny of property valued at less than $1,000.

Because both suspects are juveniles, their names are not being released.

“A stolen firearm is now off the street because someone in Bentonville trusted their instincts and picked up the phone,” Sheriff Crystal M. Cline said. “Every unlocked car door is an opportunity for a criminal, and every alert neighbor is an opportunity for us to stop one.”

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and additional charges may be filed.

Residents are reminded to remove valuables from vehicles, secure firearms in a locked location, and lock vehicle doors, even at home.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 540-635-4128.