On Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 6:53 AM, West Plains Officers responded to an Intrusion Alarm at the West Plains Bank and Trust located at 318 West Broadway. Officers found that the front door to the business had been forced open and entry had been made.
Officers checked the facility and upon checking the surrounding area located a male subject identified as John Ray Roberts, forty-five years of age. Upon implicating himself in the burglary at the West Plains Bank and Trust he was taken into custody and transported to the Police Department.
As detectives were talking with Roberts, officers were dispatched to a second Forcible Burglary that occurred at the First Christian Church located at 422 West Main Street in the City of West Plains. Officers found forcible entry into the Church where the suspect had also discharged a fire extinguisher within the building. Roberts implicated himself in the second burglary as well. The suspect was arrested for Burglary, Felony Stealing and Felony Property Damage. Investigators also learned during their investigation that Roberts had just been released on bond, less than twelve hours prior to the newest burglaries, for additional burglaries that he had been arrested on.
Investigators are continuing their investigation in other incidents that Roberts may be responsible for. Charges for the above incident have been forwarded to the Howell County Prosecutor’s Office for their consideration.
The West Plains Police Department has been experiencing an increase in burglaries and continues to request that the community remain vigilant in their surroundings and report suspicious activity to the police department when they see it.
