Photo: Shane Middleton (left) with Searcy County Chief Deputy Dewayne Pierce
Newton County resident, 33-year-old Shane Middleton of Jasper, has been arrested in Searcy County after being found “barefoot and disheveled,” according to a probable cause affidavit.
Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell says Middleton has been charged in connection with a breaking or entering at a convenience store in Leslie Dec. 3, in which a number of items were reportedly taken–including an adult mule.
When Middleton was located the following morning south of Leslie, he was not wearing any shoes.
During the investigation, it was learned Middleton allegedly parked his pickup next to another vehicle at the convenience store. In the store’s surveillance video, an adult mule can be seen. Surveillance reportedly shows Middleton opening the door of the victim’s truck and removing a .22 caliber rifle, a headlamp and a cellphone. He can also be seen removing a chainsaw from the truck and placing all the items in this vehicle.
Middleton reportedly told law enforcement his vehicle ran out of gas, and he decided to ride the mule back to Newton County. After saddling the animal, Middleton said the mule bucked him off so hard he lost both his socks and boots. He said he returned to his pickup and tied up the mule.
At the scene of the arrest, a .22 caliber rifle was discovered in the woods about 15 feet from Middleton’s vehicle and the mule. A closer inspection of the weapon led to the discovery of the allegedly reported chainsaw. The headlamp was reportedly located behind Middleton’s pickup. The cellphone has not been recovered.
Middleton is charged with felony counts of breaking or entering, theft of property and possession of firearms by certain persons, meaning he is a convicted felon, as well as being a habitual offender.
His bond was set at $10,000.
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