Jonesboro, Ark. – A local man has been formally charged after a series of vehicle break‑ins inside the St. Bernards hospital parking garage. According to a probable‑cause affidavit and first‑appearance paperwork filed on Oct. 28, Jacob Bell is accused of three counts of breaking or entering, one count of theft of credit or debit cards, and one count of theft of property valued at $1,000 or less.
Details of the alleged crimes
The investigation began after a report on Sept. 23 that a vehicle had been stolen from the hospital’s garage. Trumann police located the stolen vehicle shortly thereafter and stopped Bell while he was driving it. Bell was taken to the hospital for a medical clearance, where he reportedly told Jonesboro officers that he had broken into other vehicles in the same garage.
One victim later reported that $500 in $20 bills and several credit cards were taken from her car. When Bell was arrested, Trumann officers recovered $420 in $20 bills from his possession, according to the affidavit.
A second victim said her vehicle had been rummaged through and that a laptop, which did not belong to her, was found inside. The laptop’s screen displayed Bell’s name, and he was able to power it on when it was brought to the hospital.
Charges and court proceedings
The breaking‑or‑entering and card‑theft allegations are classified as Class D felonies. The theft of property valued at $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor. Judge David Boling found probable cause on Oct. 28 and set bail at $50,000 cash or surety. Bell’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16.
Community impact
These incidents have raised concerns among hospital patrons and local residents about vehicle security in the parking facility. While the investigation is ongoing, police encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity in the garage to report it immediately.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
