WMPD issues alerts for card skimmer, missing teen

WMPD issues alerts for card skimmer, missing teen

Investigators working pair of cases, passing info to community

ralphhardin@gmail.com The West Memphis Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating a credit card skimming device that may have compromised motorists fueling up at a local convenience store.

According to Captain Joe Baker, Enforcement/Criminal Investigation Division Commander with the West Memphis Police Department, on Tuesday afternoon, at approximately 12:15 p.m., West Memphis Police responded to the Exxon “Hop-In” station, located at the intersection of North Missouri Street and Shoppingway Boulevard, in reference to a possible credit card skimming device being located by a pump maintenance person.

“When officers arrived, they did locate and recover a machine that had been installed on one of the pumps that appeared to be used to capture credit card information,” said Capt. Baker.

“The device had been located by a pump maintenance person who was conducting a routine pump service that morning.”

Officers seized the device so that it could be forensically examined in an attempt to determine compromised card information.

“At this time we do not have any specific information regarding cards that were possibly compromised by this device. We would like the public to be aware that if they used a credit card at the Exxon station at 1700 N. Missouri St., there is a chance that their card information has been compromised. It would be recommended that anyone who used a card at this location monitor their credit information and watch for any suspicious activity,” said Capt.

Baker. “If we are able to obtain specific information on compromised credit cards we will attempt to contact those card holders with this information.”

Baker also reported a “BOLO” alert for Miesha Richardson, 15, as the WMPD is asking that residents be on the lookout for the teen. Richardson's mother stated that she ran away from her home in West Memphis on Jan. 1, and has not been heard from since Jan. 2.

“She stated the family believes Richardson is in Memphis and they are concerned for her well-being,” said Baker. “The family thinks that Richardson may be staying at a motel on Lamar Avenue.

Anyone with information about Miesha’s location is urged to contact the West Memphis Police Department at (870) 735-1210.

By Ralph Hardin