Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Suspects Sought In Rape

Authorities are searching for two black males wanted in connection with the rape of a Prescott woman.

According to Jim Westmoreland, criminal investigator for the Prescott Police Department and Nevada County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. Saturday.

Apparently, the victim returned home to find the two suspects inside. The pair demanded money from the victim, sexually assaulted her and ransacked her home, taking several items.

Investigation into the assault is continuing with the PPD, NCSO and Arkansas State Police criminal investigation division.

Additionally, Westmoreland said, the NCSO is investigating a series of burglaries which have occurred in the city and county recently.

He said the method of operation appears to be the same in most of the county burglaries. The burglar(s) apparently break into homes during the day while the owners are at work.

For the most part, Westmoreland said, the criminal(s) have been taking electronic equipment, though some firearms have been taken as well.

Nevada County Sheriff Harold Vines is working with the ASP on the investigation of a fire in the Waldo area.

According to Vines, the fire occurred around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the home of Jimmy McKinney.

Vines said McKinney arrived home after church and was changing clothes when he smelled smoke. Upon checking, he found a back wall on fire.

At the time, another man and two boys were asleep in the structure, but all escaped unharmed.