ARKANSAS COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.katv.com/story/14409117/walmart-computer-theft-suspect-apprehended

Walmart computer theft suspect apprehended

Posted: Apr 08, 2011 9:04 AM EDTUpdated: Apr 11, 2011 4:50 PM EDT

By Lindsey Fry - bio | email

 

A man who was believed to be seen on surveillance camera stealing nine laptop computers from Walmart on Skyline Drive has been apprehended in Malvern.

Officer Chris Medlin with the Malvern Police Department confirmed that Dewayne Boykins, 39, of Little Rock, was arrested while attempting to steal more than $10,000 in laptop computers and flat screen televisions from the Malvern store. Boykins is suspected of committing the same crime in Morrilton.

Medlin said that this was not the first time the suspect had stolen from the Malvern store."A person matching the suspects description was captured on surveillance video entering the store Wednesday morning at approximately 4:30 a.m. where he used bolt cutters and a screw driver to remove the lap top computers from the cord that links them together," he said. "The suspect was not apprehended at the time."

Authorities in Malvern had not yet finished investigating the first crime when they were called to the store Thursday morning when the suspect returned.

"We received a call Thursday morning at approximately 5 a.m. from the loss prevention officer at Walmart advising that the suspect was once again in the store attempting to steal more lap top computers," Boykins said. "Our officers arrived on the scene and apprehended the suspect as he was trying to remove the stolen merchandise through the garden center of the store."

While checking surveillance footage that officers have gathered from area stores, officers believe the suspect has at least two accomplices. However, the individuals helping Boykins at the time of his arrest managed to allude police as they escaped on foot.

LaTresha Woodruff, public information officer for the Conway Police Department, confirmed that Boykins will be charged with theft of property from the Conway Police Department, which is a class "B" felony.

Medlin advised that the Malvern Police Department have cited Boykins for theft of property, a class "B" felon, criminal intent/breaking and entering, possession of a firearm by certain persons, possession of instruments of crime, simultaneous possession of firearms and drugs, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Medlin confirmed the drug charges were a result of the 1.6 ounces of cocaine officers found on the suspect at the time of his arrest.

"When Boykins was arrested, officers found cocaine on his person," he said. "Due to the way in which the drugs were divided and the amount the suspect had, he was cited with intent to distribute. Boykins is also a known felon, which is why he was cited for possession of firearms by certain persons."

Medlin credits the distribution of information regarding the thefts by area Walmart stores for helping to capture the suspect.