Thieves Target Dillard’s in Jonesboro: A Bold Heist Gone Wrong

In a daring escapade that could have been straight out of a movie, two men made their way from Memphis to Jonesboro, Arkansas last Sunday with a plan that took a drastic turn. They thought they’d hit the jackpot at a local Dillard’s department store, but things didn’t exactly go as planned.

Luxury Purses and Clothing in Their Sights

Perry Gentry, 35, and Timothy Cook, 34, entered the store aiming to steal nearly $6,000 worth of luxury goods, including high-end purses and trendy clothing. With security apparently an afterthought, the duo was seen on security cameras making their way out of the Dillard’s, clutching their ill-gotten gains. All was going smoothly until a vigilant customer stepped in and helped turn the tide.

The Getaway Gone Awry

A quick-thinking shopper jotted down the tag number of the pair’s getaway vehicle, a somewhat clunky black Lexus. This brave action led to a swift response from the Arkansas State Police. When officers pulled over the Lexus, they quickly discovered it was packed with the stolen loot. In total, investigators recovered $5,880.24 worth of merchandise, which included:

Six Dooney & Bourke purses valued at over $2,100
Five Brahmin handbags worth around $1,800
Two pairs of Rock Revival jeans each priced at $522

Confession and Arrest

Things started to unravel for Gentry and Cook when police discovered how they had gone about executing their plan. Reports indicate that they were seen removing security cables from the items and, under pressure, Cook admitted to the theft. According to the incident report, it turns out their trip to Jonesboro was initially meant to be a car sale. However, their dreams of quick cash were dashed when the potential buyer turned up their nose at the overheating older model Lexus.

With no money on hand and desperation creeping in, Gentry and Cook resorted to their ill-fated shopping spree. The plot thickens: Gentry already had a run-in with the law last month when he was arrested in Memphis for allegedly stealing a truck. His fingerprints were found on a stolen 2015 Chevy Silverado, leading to charges of theft of property. He was released on his own recognizance, but it seems that didn’t deter him from further adventures in crime.

Facing Serious Charges

Now, both men find themselves in a heap of trouble as they were booked at the Craighead County Jail. They face charges of theft greater than $5,000 but less than $25,000, alongside unlawful removal of a theft detection device. The judge has set a hefty bond of $150,000 for each of them, a price that reflects the seriousness of their actions.

Lessons Learned?

This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly plans can go awry, especially when crime is on the agenda. What started as a scheme for luxury clothing ended in arrests and a significant financial fallout. Maybe next time, they should think twice before resorting to crime—especially in the age of surveillance cameras and vigilant shoppers!

It’s a wild story that reminds us all to keep our eyes peeled and our possessions close. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that these two learn a valuable lesson from their unfortunate escapade!