Suspect facing charges for breaking windows
A suspect charged with breaking the glass out of windows at several local businesses told police he was angry over a domestic situation when the incidents occurred.
Forrest City Police Chief Deon Lee said Ronald Cloyd, 24, was arrested Thursday on charges of first-degree criminal mischief, although that charge could be amended as the case progresses.
Lee said officers are working with the First Judicial District’s Prosecuting Attorney’s office to determine if the cost of damages caused by Cloyd would warrant the charge being upgraded to a felony.
The incidents occurred overnight on July 7, according to police, and windows at Wendy’s, McDonald’s, the Civic Center, junior high school, Armor Bank, Sherwin Williams, Polaris, Burger King, Law Office of Andrea Brock, Dollar General, First National Bank, Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, Forrest City Abstract, Shady Oaks Apartment Complex, Miller Insurance and Tri-County Tae-Kwon-Do were among those reported as being broken.
“There may be more businesses added to the list,” cautioned Lee.
During the investigation, police were able to review surveillance footage from several businesses where damage occurred, helping them identify Cloyd as a suspect.
In a press release issued by police, officers were working an unrelated incident on South Washington last week when they took Cloyd into custody.
Lee said after officers and Cloyd arrived at the police department, he confessed his involvement in breaking the windows.
According to Lee, Cloyd told police he was angry over the domestic situation, and after leaving a residence in Caldwell, began walking into Forrest City, breaking out windows along his route.
Lee estimates damage in the case at over $20,000.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the individuals who came forward and assisted us in identifying the suspect in these cases,” said Lee. “I would also like to thank the officers who worked diligently to gather surveillance footage and the detectives who were able to locate Mr. Cloyd, taking him into custody without incident.”
Lee also cautioned people about acting out of anger.
“I would like to reach out to our younger generation and advise them to seek counseling for anger issues, as costing our local businesses for damage that was in no way warranted is not the proper avenue for anger management,” added Lee.