Lawrence County Makes Arrest In Scrap Theft With Assistance From Arkansas State Police

On July 13, 2011 the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Dept. with assistance from the Arkansas State Police arrested Paul Wesley Smith (08/05/43) for theft of property and criminal trespass. The arrest came after the Lawrence County Communication Center received a call from a residence on Highway 91 about someone at their neighbor’s property taking scrap metal and striping car parts. A vehicle description was given and deputies were in route and a trooper said he was close and would try and make contact with the vehicle. The trooper found the vehicle on a field road near the property. The officers quickly noticed the scrap metal and car parts in the back of the vehicle. The man was identified as Paul Smith. Smith told the officers that he did not have permission to take the items. Smith was placed under arrest and transported to the Lawrence County Jail to await a bond hearing. The property was confiscated to be returned to the rightful owner. The value of the car parts was estimated at $1800 and the scrap at around $75.
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office visit their site at www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com , You can also report tips to the Sheriff at tips@lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .