BARLING, Ark. (KFSM) — Barling Police are asking for the public's help in finding a fugitive wanted in a jewelry scam and accused of fleeing while on parole.
Police are looking for Luke Rutledge, 24, of Fort Smith, who has a warrant out for his arrest on a charge of theft by receiving, police said. He is also wanted on a charge of absconding from parole and for two misdemeanor warrants.
According to police, he is wanted in connection with a scam in which more than $165,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from a New York jeweler. His alleged accomplice, Valerie Bynum, 24, was arrested by Barling Police on Aug. 27.
Police believe he has more than $50,000 cash on him and may have purchased a vehicle to flee Fort Smith.
Lindley urged members of the public not to try to capture Rutledge on their own. He said Rutledge has a violent charge and weapons charge in his past and that he may have attempted to purchase a firearm recently.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.