Officers with the Benton Police Department (BNPD) arrested James Schoggin, age 26, and Jennifer Miller, age 45, both of Malvern, on Christmas Eve, on multiple charges following contact at the vacant Oyo Hotel/ Cantina Cinco de Mayo, 16732 I-30, on Wednesday.
Schoggin was located cutting metal from the building and led officers on a brief foot pursuit, according to BNPD spokesperson Krista Petty. He was captured shortly after on the Carpenter Street bridge.
After further investigation, it was determined both suspects were involved in a separate theft incident also reported Wednesday at the construction site of the Saline County Career Technical School at Exit 114.
Schoggin was charged with:
- 2 counts of Criminal Mischief 1st;
- 2 counts of Commercial Burglary;
- 2 counts of Theft of Property;
- Fleeing;
- Disorderly Conduct;
- Possession of a Controlled Substance; and
- 2 counts of Theft of Scrap Metal.
Miller was charged with:
- 2 counts of Criminal Mischief 1st;
- 2 counts of Commercial Burglary;
- Theft of Property; and
- Theft of Scrap Metal.
The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the message, or at www.cityprotect.com. Any suspect listed is presumed innocent unless/until proven guilty.