Fayetteville police make arrests in robbery cases
Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Fayetteville police arrested three men allegedly linked with recent robberies in downtown Fayetteville, but investigators say another suspect remains at large.
Martez Deunta Butler, 18, of 435 S. Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville, was arrested Monday on charges of robbery, engaging in violent criminal group activity, fraudulent use of a credit card and theft by receiving.
Keith Dwayne Matthews, 18, of the same address, was arrested Tuesday on charges involving three counts of robbery, engaging in violent criminal group activity, fraudulent use of a credit card, theft by receiving and three counts of breaking or entering (vehicles ).
Robert Stanley Finks, 19, of 1601 N. Leverett Ave., Apt. 26, Fayetteville, was arrested Monday on charges involving two counts of robbery, engaging in violent criminal group activity, breaking or entering, fraudulent use of a credit card and theft by receiving.
Butler and Matthews are accused of robbing a man who was walking in the area of Center and Hill streets at about 1: 15 a. m. May 31. They suspects allegedly took the victim’s wallet containing several credit cards and cash. Further investigation revealed that the credit cards were used at two gas stations and Wal-Mart.
Finks and Matthews were allegedly involved in the robberies of a man walking near the Frisco Trail and a woman walking in the parking lot of 2100 N. Leverett Ave., both in the early morning hours of June 4. Within minutes of the first incident, the victim’s credit card was being used at a gas station and Wal-Mart. Police used surveillance video to determine Finks and Britany Elaine Moreton, 18, of 1293 Fairlane St., Fayetteville, were using the credit card. Moreton was arrested Monday on charges of fraudulent use of a credit card and theft by receiving.
The Fayetteville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a fourth suspect. Darrell O. Green, 23, of Fordyce is wanted on a charge of robbery.
Green is a black man who is 5 feet 8 inches and 185 pounds with a stocky build. He drives a silver Pontiac Grand Prix or Grand Am with dark tinted windows and a spoiler. Police consider Green to be armed and dangerous. He allegedly was involved in the robbery of a woman walking near Leverett Avenue and Maple Street late Friday night. He allegedly followed her to an isolated area, pushed her down and stole her purse.
“ We’re pretty sure he was involved in the other three robberies as well, ” police Sgt. Tim Franklin said.
Franklin said the four suspects are not tied to any specific gang in Fayetteville.
“ The charge ‘ engaging in criminal group activity’ falls under the gang statute, ” he said. “ That statute fits anytime two or more people engage in criminal activity, two or more crimes. ”
In light of the recent robberies, University of Arkansas police are encouraging students to remain vigilant and to use caution when parking or walking after dark. Members of the campus community are advised to walk in pairs or groups. Students who don’t feel comfortable walking on campus alone can call 575-2222 at anytime for an escort.
All three robbery suspects were being held in the Washington County Detention Center on Friday evening and are expected to make their first appearance in the Washington County Circuit Court on Friday.
Finks and Matthews each face an additional charge of violation of probation / suspended sentence. Finks also faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, thirddegree battery and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. A $ 2, 000 bond was set for the battery charge, but no bond amount was set for the other charges.
A bond amount had not been set for Matthews or Butler as of Tuesday evening.
Moreton was released on a $ 2, 500 bond Tuesday and is expected to make her first appearance in the Washington County Circuit Court today.
Those with any information regarding the investigation are urged to contact the Fayetteville Police Department at 587-3555.
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