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ARREST MADE IN JANUARY BURLGARY

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Friday, June 26, 2009 11:26 PM CDT

An investigation into a burglary that was reported in Pine Bluff on Jan. 7 resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old man who was allegedly involved.

During a court hearing Friday, Circuit Judge Rob Wyatt Jr. ruled prosecutors had probable cause to charge Derrick Whitmore with commercial burglary and theft of property, based on an affidavit from Detective Brent Bridges.

Reading from that affidavit, Deputy Prosecutor Cymber Gieringer said officers were sent to 2007 W. 30th Ave., in response to a disturbance, and while there, were told about a possible burglary at Hazel’s Bottle Shop nearby.

Gieringer said officers were also told that the suspects in the burglary were at 2005 W. 30th Ave., and when they went to that address, found liquor and beer bottles that had been taken from the business.

Several people who were in the house were arrested but officers were unable to locate Whitmore at that time, Gieringer said.

This was the second time that Whitmore had appeared in court for a probable cause hearing in a week.

Last Friday, Wyatt ruled prosecutors had probable cause to charge Whitmore with first-degree battery, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Whitmore allegedly fired a shot from a car on June 7 that injured DeAundre Sheppard after the two had been involved in a prior altercation.

Wyatt set a $10,000 bond for Whitmore on the latest allegations. Whitmore told the court he would hire his own attorney.

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