Camden teen allegedly steals, wrecks local church's van

Howland
Howland

A Camden teenager was arrested late Thursday after allegedly stealing a local church's van, fleeing from Arkansas State Police and wrecking into another vehicle.

Steven Lewis Howland, 19, was taken into custody around 10:30 p.m. in the 3500 block of Albert Pike Road and charged with felony counts of fleeing in a vehicle, commercial burglary and theft of property more than $5,000, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and second-degree battery, punishable by up to six years.

Howland was also charged with a misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated, drugs, first offense, and was cited for speeding, driving on a suspended or expired driver's license, careless and prohibited driving and no seat belt.

He was being held on bonds totaling $7,000 and appeared Friday in Garland County District Court.

According to the probable cause affidavit, at around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Arkansas State Police became involved in a vehicle pursuit with a white Ford Econoline van found to be registered to Harvey's Chapel Baptist Church, 2515 Mountain Pine Road.

While the pursuit was ongoing, Garland County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the church. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered a broken window on a side door of the church. They made entry and noticed several areas where it appeared someone had been recently.

The van lost control and struck another vehicle on Higdon Ferry Road and the driver, identified as Howland, was taken into custody.

Sheriff's Investigator Charlie Mowery arrived at the scene of the wreck and noted heavy damage to the front of the van. He found a baseball cap and backpack in the front area of the van and found a set of keys in the driver's seat.

Mowery proceeded to the church, where he spoke to several church members. It was unknown at the time of the report how many items were missing, but it was confirmed the keys found went to the church's van, valued at $15,000, which was missing.

Mowery reviewed the church's security video and determined the person seen entering the church matched the description of Howland and was wearing the cap and backpack found.

Local on 05/19/2018

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