Two Baxter County residents face multiple felony charges of theft and trespassing after reports of a stolen lawnmower led law enforcement to their location.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a report of a stolen zero-turn lawnmower valued at $17,000. In November 2022, multiple reports were called in of a male seen traveling on a lawnmower on the bypass, Arkansas Highway 5 South and County Road 69.
Authorities were investigating a tip called into the sheriff’s office advising them the stolen lawnmower was located at a residence off County Road 108 down a dirt driveway. Investigators went to the property and confirmed the serial number matched the one stolen from the lawnmower.
When law enforcement approached the cabin, it appeared to be abandoned but observed a small fire in the yard. Officers knocked on the door where one of the suspects, 26-year-old Anastasia Gray, stated she was the only occupant of the residence, but officers could hear footsteps. They continued to knock and shout for the other subject to exit the house and after several minutes 28-year-old Richard Lackie came down the stairs. Gray did admit to officers the property was abandoned before they started staying there.
Officers asked Lackie about the stolen lawnmower where he initially stated a black male brought the mower onto the property around 2 in the morning. During further discussion, Lackie told authorities a man brought the mower to the property asking for help to siphon gas out of it.
Investigators contacted the property owner of the cabin where they stated he did not know Gray and Lackie and said they did not have permission to stay at his property.
Both Gray and Lackie face felony charges of criminal mischief, breaking or entering, and theft by receiving. Lackie is also being held for the revocation of a bench warrant and probation violation.
Gray and Lackie are currently being held in the Baxter County Detention Center. Gray is being held on a $15,250 bond and Lackie on a $17,080 bond.
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