Arrests made in city theft cases

A Russellville man and a juvenile were arrested last week in connection with multiple thefts that took place in the city of Russellville over the past couple of weeks, officials said.

Chandler Wayne Phillips, 18, Hacker Lane, Russellville, was arrested for third-degree burglary and second-degree receiving stolen property, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said.

Hargett said a 17-year-old male was also arrested on the same charges but his name could not be released due to his juvenile status.

According to police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery, the Russellville Police Department began receiving reports during the second week in February of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the city that were occurring in an area that encompassed the west side of Madison Street down to Lawrence Street and up to College Avenue.

“There were reports coming in every other day about these burglaries,” Lowery said.

“There were mostly only TVs stolen, but there was some jewelry missing as well.”

Lowery said the police department received some community tips and were able to narrow down the list of suspects.

After obtaining a vehicle description, Lowery said investigators were able to set up a surveillance of the vehicle and made a routine traffic stop at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

After interviews, Phillips and the juvenile were arrested in connection with the charges.

Lowery said at this time, the property is still unrecovered.