RPD nabs burglary suspects

Three suspects were taken into custody June 20 by the Russellville Police Department after officers received a call about a supposed altercation that was taking place.

According to Sgt. Jake Tompkins, RPD responded to a call alerting officers there was a fight occurring at the Westside Plaza Apartments in Russellville with unknown subjects.

“Officers arrived on the scene, and as soon as they made entry into the house, three male subjects ran out the back door,” Tompkins said.

Tompkins said the suspects were later identified as Diamonte Ryan Abernathy, 18, of Madison; Zachary Charles Groce, 23, of Russellville; and Demarcus Smith, 20, of Florence.

A lengthy foot pursuit ensued until the three subjects were caught and taken into custody.

According to Tompkins, the apartment the subjects were in was a vacant apartment, its occupants having been evicted.

Smith was charged with burglary third degree, resisting arrest and attempting to elude. Groce and Abernathy were each charged with burglary third degree, criminal trespassing third degree resisting arrest and attempting to elude. Tompkins said Groce and Abernathy were charged with criminal trespassing because they had already previously trespassed on housing authority property.