Two Charged in Jonesboro After SUV Towed, Sold for Scrap

Two individuals in Jonesboro face felony charges after a disabled SUV was unlawfully towed, sold for scrap, and destroyed, police said. The incident involved a Nissan Pathfinder left in a business parking lot on North Culberhouse Street on July 12 due to mechanical issues.

Ronnie Lee Hicks and Lindsay L. Baker have been charged with theft of property valued between $1,000 and $5,000, a Class D felony, according to documents filed in Craighead County. The investigation began after the vehicle's owner reported it missing to Jonesboro police on July 15.

Detectives used data from a Flock license-plate reader, which showed the Pathfinder being towed by a white Chevrolet Silverado on July 13. Police identified Baker as the driver of the tow truck, according to probable cause affidavits. Investigators also examined LeadsOnline transaction reports, which revealed that Hicks sold the vehicle to Kings Recycling for $433.20 on the same day.

When detectives visited the recycling yard on July 16, they learned that the Pathfinder had already been crushed and was no longer recoverable. Video surveillance from the parking lot where the SUV was left, as well as from the recycling facility, reportedly showed Baker, Hicks, and a third person, identified in affidavits as Ladarius Lee, involved in the removal and transport of the vehicle.

According to police, Baker admitted in an interview that Lee had asked her to tow a vehicle he claimed was his own. She stated she drove the Silverado to Kings Recycling while Hicks conducted the sale because he was familiar with the staff at the yard. Investigators said Baker indicated that Hicks received $433.20 for the transaction, keeping $200 of the proceeds and giving the remainder to Lee.

Charges against Lee were not documented in the materials reviewed by North Ark Now.

Bonds for Hicks and Baker have been set by District Judge David Boling at $25,000 and $7,500, respectively. Both are scheduled to return to court on September 30 at 8:30 a.m. They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.