An Arkansas Department of Corrections work release inmate has been caught after stealing a rental car to escape.
According to a Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department narrative officers responded to the Country Host Inn on Realtor Ave. after an ADC employee located the stolen car parked there.
Below is the narrative by TAPD Officer Lavender detailing the capture of Cleophus Martin.
On 3-2-15 at approximately 2306 hours I, Officer Lavender, responded to 900 Realtor Ave., Country Host Inn, in reference to a stolen vehicle that had been located. Upon arrival I made contact with Arkansas Department of Correction’s (ADC) employee, Timothy O’Malley. He advised that the vehicle was at the back of the complex. He also advised that they had a perimeter set up around the hotel.
I observed the vehicle sitting in front of room #143. I had dispatch run the tag, Arkansas 248 WCO and they confirmed that it was stolen.
Det. Pete Penney with Arkansas State Police (ASP) advised that someone had seen a white male exit the stolen car and enter room #228. He asked if I would check that room. Officer Gibbert and I responded to that room. A white male answered the door who was later identified as,XXXXX. When he opened the door I observed a black male lying on the bed. He had his face covered and appeared to be asleep. I asked who he was and he looked up at me, I recognized him as the escaped prisoner, Cleophus Martin. Officer Gibbert and I placed him in handcuffs and he was turned over to ADC.
Sgt. McJunkins made contact with the legal renter of the Hyundai and had him respond to take possession of it. ADC recovered the key to the Hyundai from suspect Cleophus Martin. The renter of the vehicle said all of his property was still in the vehicle and no damage was found.
I completed a property record on the car and had Mr.XXXXXX sign it prior to releasing it to him. I provided the pink copy to ASP Det. Penney. Dispatcher Donna Garrett showed the vehicle as recoverd in NCIC.
Officer Gibbert transported the suspect to ADC at the Community Punishment Center at the request of ADC officials.
