Stolen state championship rings recovered, arrest made

BROOKLAND, Ark. (KAIT) - Police arrested a Jonesboro man who broke into Brookland High School and stole eight state championship rings worth $3,200.

According to the initial incident report, the burglary happened around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Surveillance video showed a white male, later identified as 18-year-old Hunter David Cole Rucker from Jonesboro, dressed in black breaking out the top glass of the front door with a hammer.

After entering the school, the suspect “walked straight to the trophy case” and shattered the glass, stealing several items.

After leaving the building, the suspect returned a few minutes later and stole more items from the display case, the report stated.

Doug Formon, the district’s director of security, said the thief stole at least six state championship rings valued at $400 each.

According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators later discovered Rucker took eight state championship rings valued at $3,200, and estimated damages to the door are $1,500.

An anonymous tip led to investigators questioning Rucker who initially denied involvement. When “confronted with some of the facts of the case” Rucker confessed.

Police took Rucker to his home where he led them to the stolen rings.

Rucker was arrested for two counts of commercial burglary, theft of property greater than $1000 less than $5000, and felony criminal mischief.

Rucker is set to appear in court on Dec. 28.

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