A Little Rock man was arrested Sunday, March 28, as he was walking on Highway 5, south of Mountain View.
According to authorities, an individual who lives in the area called police on a trespasser, saying he was just leaving the individual’s residence and was walking on Highway 5 toward Mountain View.
Using a description provided by the resident, Stone County Deputy Bryan Rose found the man, walking and carrying several bags — plastic bags loaded with different items including clothing and food.
A computer search confirmed the man’s identity as Lesley E. Dearing (pictured above), 54, of Little Rock. Deputy Rose also learned Dearing was a parolee with a warrant for his arrest out of the Cabot Police Department.
Dearing was taken into custody, and when his bags were searched, Rose said he found a meth smoking pipe with meth residue, a dirty syringe, and a set of Chevrolet keys.
During the investigation, Rose learned of a traffic accident that occurred on Highway 5, a couple of miles from where Dearing was located. A 2004 Chevy Truck was wrecked and still at the scene. Investigator Michael Tharp, who worked the accident, learned the vehicle had been stolen in Little Rock. Also, Rose was informed of the description of the man leaving the scene of the accident. The same description he had received of the suspect from another resident — a male, over 40 years old, with blonde hair, wearing a pink shirt and carrying numerous bags.
In addition, drug paraphernalia was found inside the truck along with numerous items of mail addressed to Lesley Dearing, his social security card, medical insurance card, and numerous tools associated with electrical and maintenance jobs, according to authorities.
From the evidence, Dearing was determined to be the person involved in the vehicle accident.
Dearing has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, namely meth; possession of drug paraphernalia; and theft by receiving. He is also being charged as a habitual offender.
Dearing’s bond has been set at $20,000.
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