Police seek robbery suspects
The Pine Bluff Police Department is investigating two aggravated robberies that occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 30. Detectives believe the incidents are connected, as both involved multiple armed suspects and vehicle thefts, according to a news release.
At approximately 2 a.m., officers were called to the Kwik Mart, 800 N. Bryant Ave., regarding an aggravated robbery.
Detectives learned that a male victim had been approached by three unknown Black males, all dressed in black clothing with masks and gloves.
The suspects reportedly displayed handguns described as “big Glocks” and demanded the victim’s belongings.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The suspects took his wallet and car keys, then fled the scene in his 2013 GMC Terrain. While detectives were investigating that robbery, a second call came in regarding another aggravated robbery at approximately 1110 W. Sixth Ave., where a vehicle had also been taken at gunpoint.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed three Black males approach a red Dodge Durango, brandish firearms and order the occupants out of the vehicle before fleeing southbound on South Linden Street.
One of the victims later tracked a stolen cell phone to the area of West 30th Avenue and Mulberry Street.
Detectives responded to the area and located the red 2013 Dodge Durango matching the description of the stolen vehicle. A check of the temporary tag confirmed ownership and a prescription pill bottle with the same last name as the first victim was observed inside the vehicle, linking it to the earlier robbery.
The Durango was towed to the Pine Bluff Police Department to be processed. Detectives are continuing to follow up on leads and review available surveillance footage.
Anyone with information about these incidents or the identities of the suspects is urged to contact the Pine Bluff Police Department Detective Division at (870) 730-2090. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the tip line at (870) 730-2106 or submit a tip online at www.pbpd.org/crime-tips. A cash reward may be available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
City to host Veterans Parade
The Pine Bluff Regional Veterans Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 in downtown Pine Bluff beginning at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
“Pine Bluff is proud to honor and celebrate all of our brave men and women whose sacrifices have made the gift of freedom a reality for each one of us,” according to a news release. “Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers’ vision is to launch the first annual Regional Veterans Day Parade and Reception as a signature event to recognize and thank veterans from across the southeast Arkansas region.”
Pine Bluff has invited neighboring towns to participate, including: White Hall, Wrightsville, Redfield, Wabbaseka, Altheimer, Rison, Sheridan, Sherrill, Star City, Kingsland and Stuttgart.
“Mayors, community leaders, clubs, organizations, and individuals from these communities are encouraged to play an active role in collaborative planning to ensure that our tribute to veterans is inclusive and unites the entire region in gratitude,” according to the release.
U.S. veteran and Tuskegee Airman Thomas Franklin Vaughns has been named the grand marshal for the Veterans Parade. To register to join the parade, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGrTKZ6kgBMV7TaKLCahkkHoRaQZ6ubb6Xtbr-mZwCSfcoMQ/viewform.
The parade line-up will be on a first come basis. The reception for veterans and immediate family/caregivers will be from noon to 2 p.m. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor’s Office: (870) 730-2003 or (870) 575-7962.
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will provide food to federal workers and hold its monthly giveaway, according to a news release.
Federal workers can come to TOPPS from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up food. A federal ID is required.
TOPPS will also have its regular monthly food distribution on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. in a first-come, first-served drive-through method. Participants must bring their ID. Each household will receive one food box until all boxes are distributed. November boxes will not contain a turkey or a ham. Participants must be present to receive a box.
Anyone wanting to support or donate to the TOPPS pantry may go to the website at www.toppsinc.org or mail their donation to P.O. Box 2793, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71613. A tax-deductible receipt will be mailed to you.
TOPPS will also accept donations of dry goods and canned fruits and vegetables that aren’t expired. Details: Founder/Director Annette Howard Dove, (870) 850-6011. TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service), Inc. is a nonprofit.
St. John hosts food giveaway
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those who are in need, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. until all food is gone.
Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family, according to a news release.
The food is provided by St. John’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry, along with community partners, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
To help support this ministry, you can mail your financial support to St. John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601, or donate electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff.
You may email Pearl Matlock at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net to volunteer.
St. John also welcomes the community to join them during their regular Sunday Worship Service at 9:45 a.m. Sundays followed by Church School.
The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the pastor.