Rusher evading police
Police are still searching for a McDonald County, Mo., man — Cory Daniel Rusher — wanted for the burglary of Castle Rental and Pawn and theft of firearms. He is considered armed and dangerous, according to Pea Ridge Police, who have a felony warrant for his arrest for commercial burglary, theft of property, criminal mischief and possession of a firearm by certain persons.
Rusher, 29, Jane, Mo., has been identified as the suspect who broke into Castle Rental shortly
before 10 p.m. Monday, July 11.
Police were in the area when an audible alarm sounded shortly before 10 p.m. Monday. Police arrived in less than a minute to find the back door broken and guns missing from inside the shop, according to the report. Video surveillance from both inside and outside the building revealed the identity of the suspect.
“Even with the quick response, we believe Cory Rusher was already fleeing with a handful of stolen handguns,” police said. Officers set up a perimeter and started searching the area while Det. Sgt. Brandon Davis processed the crime scene.
As a result of the investigation, police, working with McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s deputies, went to a residence outside of Pineville, Mo., to find and question Rusher. There, they found Jeremy Rusher and Christina Walker and a 3-year-old child. There were firearms “in plain view on and around the table in the trailer … easily accessible to” the adults and child, according to the police report. The guns matched two of the firearms listed as stolen during the burglary from Castle Rental.
Rusher, 39, Seligman, Mo., and Walker, 48, Pineville, Mo., were arrested for being in possession of the stolen firearms. Both convicted felons, prohibited from possessing firearms, were booked into the McDonald County Jail.
During the investigation, police, McDonald County Sheriff Mike Hall and McDonald County deputies went to another residence and passed a vehicle believed to belong to one of the suspects. After stopping the vehicle, it was determined the suspect had been in it, but exited the vehicle “to flee the scene on foot,” according to the police report. He was reported to have at least two handguns in his possession.
Officers, including Benton County K-9 units, searched the area for several hours looking for Rusher, but were unable to locate him.
Pea Ridge Police Department said Rusher is considered armed and dangerous. Persons with information are asked to call Pea Ridge Police at 479-451-8220.