Horseshoe Bend, AR. – A recent investigation into a report of multiple stolen items led to a drug bust and arrests.
According to the Izard County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was dispatched to a residence after receiving a call about a break-in and robbery. When they arrived on the scene they talked to the victim who stated that he had been out of town for a few days and when he returned home items were missing. Inside the residence the ceiling had been ripped down with the copper wiring missing, copper plumbing fixtures were gone, and the air conditioner had also been torn apart with items missing. After talking to neighbors and watching security camera footage, the suspect was identified as Joseph Cruz. The footage showed him walking with a blanket over his head and copper pipes in his hands. After checking local salvage yards, they found Cruz had sold all the items on July 12, 2024.
On July 17, 2024, Cruz went back to the residence and was caught on camera taking more items. Cruz was detained by the police at his residence. While the police were there, they saw multiple drug-related items sitting in plain sight and the smell of marijuana. Due to this, they were able to obtain a warrant of arrest for all occupants of the house including Joesph Cruz and Christina Johnson. During the execution of the search warrant, numerous items that had been reported stolen were found and recovered. They also found marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.
As a result, 59-year-old Christina Johnson was charged with possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a drug premises, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 40-year-old Joesph Cruz was charged with two counts of residential burglary, theft of property, theft of a firearm, criminal mischief, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
