Mountain Home, AR. – A man, whose address is listed as homeless, was recently arrested after stealing two different-sized Buzz Lightyear Crocs and then fleeing from the police causing an on-foot chase through Mountain Home. 18-year-old Javias Yonah Rankin Jr. was charged with one felony charge of theft of property, among other misdemeanor charges of theft of property, criminal trespass, obstructing governmental operations, fleeing on foot, two counts of disorderly conduct, refusing to submit to arrest, and one count of littering.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the first incident happened on July 19, 2024. Rankin was caught on security cameras stealing shoes from the local Shoe Sensation store. The shoes stolen were a left-foot Buzz Lightyear Croc shoe sized 11 and a right-foot Buzz Lightyear Croc shoe sized 10. The next day, the police were called to a robbery that occurred at the Hobby Lobby store. A woman said that her wallet was stolen from her purse that was sitting in a shopping cart. After watching footage that saw Rankin steal the wallet.
Another officer told arriving officers that Rankin was running on foot and had crossed U.S. Highway 62B nearly causing multiple accidents. City officers, county deputies, and others pursued in a foot chase, jumping over fences and crossing through yards. Officers found many items reported stolen over the last couple of days after arresting Rankin. He is now being held at the Baxter County Detention Center with a bond set at $7,500.
