Knocking on doors leads to man’s arrest

PARAGOULD— A call about a man banging on motel room doors now has the man facing charges, according to Paragould police.

Bill E. Hargis, III, 39, of Pocahontas was arrested Oct. 28 after officers went to the Linwood Motel in the 1600 block of Linwood Drive about a man who was reportedly drinking and causing issues.

Police said they got a call about Hargis banging on motel room doors and later found him not wearing a shirt and drinking a beer in the parking lot.

“(Hargis) admitted to drinking and knocking on doors but agreed to go inside for the night. A short time later, officers were dispatched back to the motel regarding the same male rummaging through another guest’s vehicle,” Paragould police said in the probable cause affidavit.

“Upon arriving on scene, officers were met by another guest that said they had confronted the defendant for en-

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tering their vehicle on two occasions.”

Police said they reviewed security footage that showed Hargis opening doors and rummaging around the vehicle.

“The defendant was contacted and arrested and admitted to being high and drunk,” Paragould police said.

Hargis was being held in the Greene County jail, awaiting a probable cause hearing. According to court records, the bond will be set once court officials review a mental evaluation for Hargis.

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State to streamline sale of vehicles

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas State Surplus, a division of the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS), has received approval to reduce the vehicle hold period from 20 days to five days.

This reduction, effective immediately and lasting through January 2025, is intended to streamline the sale of underutilized state vehicles.

By shortening the hold period, Arkansas State Surplus aims to accelerate the sale process for over 300 vehicles across various departments, resulting in reduced storage costs and increased revenue for the state.

This temporary measure may be extended based on its effectiveness.

'The expedited process will allow us to optimize resources and ensure efficient use of state assets,' said Christy Wilson, Director of Arkansas State Surplus.

For additional assistance or inquiries, contact Arkansas State Surplus at StateSurplus @arkansas.gov or 501565-8645.