Arkansas, federal authorities have differing views about searching for fugitives in Gentry

NewsOK12 ^ | 13 Aug 2010 | SHEILA STOGSDILL

[FourPeas]

GENTRY, Ark. — The hunt for two people sought in connection with the killing of an Oklahoma couple continued Thursday in Arkansas, despite statements from local authorities the fugitives are likely not in the area, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

[snip]

A black helicopter was visible Wednesday as it crossed back and forth over the rural community and the wooded outlying area while a Benton County, Ark., command post was set up south of Gentry as authorities searched for the couple who robbed the salon.

"They got through our perimeter in the dark hours," said Keith Smith, Gentry police chief, referring to the couple who held up the Kut and Kurl saloon.

There hasn't been a robbery at gunpoint in the 16 years he has been police chief, Smith said.

Smith doesn't think Welch and McCluskey were the hair salon robbers. Authorities are reviewing footage from several surveillance cameras in the area.

"A few people are cautiously guarded," Smith said, referring to residents of the community. "Everyone is taking steps to protect their homes."

Gentry resident John Herrington said he activated his home security system and was taking precautions as if the fugitives were in the area.

[FourPeas]

This just see too coincidental: Gentry hasn't had a robbery at gunpoint in 16 years and one just happens to occur when fugitives with ties to the area are on the loose. Perhaps we're just visiting the tail of the probability curve?

This is the first I've heard, too, about surveillance cameras in the area.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***This just see too coincidental: Gentry hasn’t had a robbery at gunpoint in 16 years**

The last one I can remember before this was the robbery of the Backer’s Variety store years ago.
There have been more murders than robberies, and murders are very few and far between.

[an amused spectator]

"They got through our perimeter in the dark hours," said Keith Smith, Gentry police chief...

How military is THAT?

[FourPeas]

There are some rather nice wooded areas around Gentry. Getting lost there, especially with some knowledge of the area might not be that difficult.