Man arrested for alleged rape
A homeless man sought since Friday was arrested on felony warrants Saturday for allegedly raping a woman and threatening to kill her last month.
J.W. Wayne Riggins, 37, who lists a city streets address, was taken into custody shortly after noon Saturday and charged with rape, punishable by up to life in prison, and first-degree terroristic threatening, punishable by up to six years.
He remained in custody at the Garland County Detention Center on Monday on zero bond and is set to appear Nov. 1 in Garland County District Court.
The Hot Springs Police Department on Friday asked for the public’s help in locating Riggins, saying he was “considered to be armed and
dangerous” and possibly driving an older model, unknown make, red pickup truck.
According to the affidavit, on Sept. 26 the alleged victim said she was staying at a Hot Springs residence with a male friend when a man, later identified as Riggins, came to the residence and asked if he could move in because he needed a place to stay. The male refused, which upset Riggins, and he left the residence.
Between midnight and 1 a.m. on Sept. 28, the victim said she was sleeping on the couch when Riggins woke her up by shaking her shoulder. When she opened her eyes, she said Riggins was pointing a gun at her and told her “she better not say anything or he would kill her.” Riggins then allegedly raped the victim. After the sexual assault, Riggins reportedly told her if she called the police or told anyone what happened, he would return and kill her. He then fled the scene.
The same day, Benton police responded to Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton in reference to the victim being treated for rape. After she was released, Benton police told the victim to contact the Hot Springs Police Department about the rape, since it allegedly occurred at the Hot Springs residence.
During an interview at the HSPD on Sept. 30, the victim said she had been at a Hot Springs residence with another male when Riggins sexually assaulted her. On Oct. 3, the victim was shown a photo lineup and allegedly identified Riggins as the man who pointed a gun at her and raped her.