Man charged in assault, theft

A Russellville man was arrested on robbery charges after allegedly assaulting and stealing money from a person who was giving him a ride home Friday night.
Leonardo Lucas-Castaneda, 21, 801 Franklin 144, Russellville, was arrested for second-degree robbery, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said.
According to Hargett, officers received a call at 10:15 p.m. Friday that a robbery had taken place at Eastside Apartments.
Hargett said the victim stated Lucas-Castaneda had asked for a ride home from the Franklin County Watermelon Festival in downtown Russellville to Eastside Apartments.
Hargett said the victim agreed to give Lucas-Castaneda a ride, but while they were en-route to the apartment complex, Lucas-Castaneda reportedly asked the victim if he could borrow some money.
Police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said when the two reached the apartment complex an altercation took place.
“When they got out of the vehicle, the victim pulled out some money to loan to the suspect, but the suspect punched the victim several times in the face,” Lowery said.
“He was able to take some of the money from the victim and then fled the scene on foot.”
Lowery said when investigators arrived on the scene, they were able to locate Lucas-Castaneda, who was positively identified by the victim.
Lucas-Castaneda is currently in custody at the Russellville City Jail awaiting action on a probation violation warrant in a separate case.