JONESBORO, Ark. — Authorities allege two juveniles were lured into a Jonesboro apartment and robbed at gunpoint, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case.
Darrick Harris, 19, has been charged with aggravated robbery, a Class Y felony. Police identified Harris and a 17-year-old juvenile as suspects before both were apprehended during a separate investigation on Tuesday, Oct. 20, the affidavit states.
According to the juvenile victims, two individuals approached them on the street and convinced them to go into an apartment on Self Circle. One suspect reportedly introduced himself as "DJ" and claimed to be 19 years old. Once inside the apartment, the suspects allegedly pointed a gun at the victims and stole a cellphone and cash. The victims said they escaped and later reported the incident to police.
City-owned surveillance footage in the area reportedly showed the suspects walking with the juveniles and corroborated the victims' description of events. Police said images of the suspects were distributed to officers on Oct. 20. The affidavit states that one officer, who had previously worked as a school resource officer, identified Harris as "DJ" and also identified the second suspect as a juvenile known to associate with him.
The same day, officers responded to a report of shots fired on Mary Jane Drive. During that investigation, three individuals reportedly fled from authorities but were quickly apprehended. Among them were Harris and the juvenile robbery suspect, police said. Both were allegedly wearing clothing consistent with what witnesses described during the apartment robbery, according to the affidavit.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause to detain Harris and set his bond at $150,000 cash or surety. The judge ordered Harris to be fitted with a GPS ankle monitor and to have no contact with the victims. Harris has been appointed a public defender and is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 16 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
The second suspect's name has not been released due to being a juvenile. Police emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.