On Wednesday, May 28, 2008, Jackson County Sheriffʼs Office Investigator Ricky Morales was notified of several individuals stealing railroad spikes off the track located behind White River EMS also known as the Cindy Lane Crossing.
Upon Investigator Morales arriving, he observed four individuals, who were later identified as Martel Davis, 29, of Newport, Austin Hall, 19, of Newark, Leslie Curl, 36, of Newport and Ashlie Curl, 21, also of Newport, taking railroad spikes and putting them into a large plastic container.
Chief Deputy Charles Vaughn, Investigator David Platt and Investigator Morales responded to the call and made contact with the four individuals while they were on the railroad right-of-way.
The four individuals were taken into custody for Theft of Property and Criminal Trespassing. While the officers were at the scene, Tony Patterson of Diaz, walked up to where the officers were located. Mr. Patterson stated to officers that he wanted to see what was going on. Officers checked and determined that Mr. Patterson had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and he was also taken into custody.
Investigator Morales then contacted Union Pacific Railroad Special Agents to advise them of the situation. UP Agents stated they would be in the Newport area doing investigations on trespassers on Union Pacific property and people stealing from their company.
Over the last few months, the number of copper thefts and scrap metal thefts have been increasing. Also, there have been several thefts of railroad spikes that have been reported to the Sheriffʼs Department. This particular case is only one of several metal thefts that the Sheriffʼs Department is currently investigating.
Sheriff David Lucas would like to remind the citizens of the County to watch for strange vehicles in their neighborhoods and to report any suspicious activity to the Sheriffʼs Department at (870) 523-5842 or their local law enforcement agency.