MOUNTAIN HOME, AR – Kathleen Michelle Smith, 39, of Gassville, was arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly breaking into vehicles at a Mountain Home apartment complex and stealing a car. Smith, who has a lengthy criminal history, was caught shortly after fleeing the scene.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Mountain Home Police Department, officers responded around 3:15 a.m. to a report of a masked individual breaking into cars at a complex on Bradley Drive. As officers arrived, they spotted a vehicle speeding away and pursued it to a motel on U.S. Highway 62B.
Smith, identified as the driver, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to hide under a parked truck, where she was later found by police.
During a search, officers discovered vehicle documents and two blank checks linked to residents of the apartment complex and Baxter County. The car Smith was driving was confirmed stolen, and the owner stated she had not given anyone permission to use it.
Smith now faces felony charges of:
Theft of property over $25,000
Breaking or entering
General theft of property
She also faces a habitual offender enhancement, having been convicted of four or more felonies. Smith is being held on $50,000 bond.
Her criminal record includes eight prior arrests in Baxter, Washington, and Sevier counties dating back to 2004, involving charges such as theft, forgery, fraudulent use of a credit/debit card, fleeing, and possession of controlled substances.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the recent break-ins tied to this incident.
