October 3, 2010

     A 3 ½ hour man hunt in the Mallard Point Area, East of Mountain Home, ended after authorities captured the armed suspect hiding in a vacant house.

     The man hunt began after a 911 call was received of a home invasion at 100 Shorecrest Drive, in the Mallard Point Area. The homeowner stated he heard something upstairs in his home. When he went up to investigate, the suspect ran past him and out the front door. The homeowner state he fired a shot as the suspect ran away. Neither he nor his wife, who was asleep, were injured.

     When deputies arrived, it was determined that the suspect had gained entry to the residence by cutting a screen on a window and gained access to the garage. From the garage the suspect entered the home. A 38 caliber revolver, prescription medication and cash were found to be missing.

     Road blocks were set up on Mallard Point Road. Approximately twenty (20) Sheriff's Deputies and Officers from the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Game and Fish responded to assist. The Sheriff's Office helicopter and the Arkansas Department of Corrections Officers and K-9 from Calico Rock responded as well. After approximately 2 ½ hours, the Officers and K-9 tracked the suspect to a vacant house about ½ mile North of the victim's residence. The suspect was found hiding in the residence and was taken into custody by Officers at 9:57 am. The suspect was armed but was taken into custody without incident.

     Investigators then learned that several other homes, outbuildings and vehicles had also been broken into in and around that area. At this time it is believed the suspect entered seven (7) homes and at least four (4) vehicles. Prescription medications, cameras, cash and coin were taken. Several empty prescription bottles were found that had been taken from the residents.

     The 38 caliber revolver, several knives, tools, $500 in cash, several prescription bottles and numerous other items were recovered.

     Jacob Austin King, age 29 of Rural Mountain Home, was booked into the Baxter County Detention Center and faces charges:

1 Count -   Aggravated Residential Burglary             Class Y Felony
6 Counts - Residential Burglary                                   Class B Felony
1 Count -   Attempted Residential Burglary               Class C Felony
4 Counts - Breaking or Entering                                   Class D Felony
1 Count -   Felon in Possession of a Firearm             Class B Felony
1 Count -   Theft of Property                                           Class C Felony
5 Counts - Theft of Property                                           Class A Misdemeanor
2 Counts - Possession of an Instrument of Crime   Class A Misdemeanor
1 Count -   Possession of a Controlled Substance, Hydrocodone   Class C Felony
1 Count -   Habitual Offender

     Jacob King is being held on a $250,000 bond and has a no bond hold for a parole violation. The investigation is continuing with the filing of additional charges possible.

Sheriff John Montgomery