A man who stole more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from Home Depot over several visits is behind bars, thanks to a sharp-eyed Magnolia police officer and a well-timed return to the store.
Matthew Brink, 37, of Hot Springs, AR, was identified by Magnolia officer who recognized him from a separate theft case. After seeing a post requesting help identifying the suspect, the officer contacted Detective Jennifer Billingsley, who quickly confirmed Brink was also responsible for recent Home Depot thefts in Texarkana.
Detective Billingsley secured arrest warrants for Brink and began the search. However, Brink made it easy for law enforcement when he returned to the Home Depot again last Tuesday. The store manager recognized him immediately and called 911. Officer Cole Bredenberg arrived just as Brink was getting into his truck and arrested him after confirming the outstanding warrants.
A search of Brink’s truck revealed more trouble—a stash of THC wax and oxycodone pills hidden in his clothing. Brink was booked into the Bi-State Jail on multiple charges, including two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance and three counts of Theft of Property. His bond was set at $23,500, and as of this report, he remains in custody.
His ill-advised return to the scene of the crime marked the end of his shoplifting spree.
