Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Forgery Investigation/ Arrest

On 1/11/07 Texarkana Arkansas Police were contacted by TTPD and advised of an attempted forgery that had just occurred at a Texarkana Texas business. A suspect description was given to TAPD officers, as well as a suspect vehicle license and description.

During the forgery attempt a male suspect had attempted to pass a check from an account that was not his. Officer Nick Elrod was in the area of the residence that the suspect vehicle tag was registered to. Shortly thereafter Officer Elrod located the suspect vehicle travelling on Mitchell street and he conducted a traffic stop in order to investigate the reported forgery.

During the traffic stop officers discovered two open alcohol containers that were within access of the driver and passenger. The two occupants of the vehicle were identified as driver, Nicholas Moore, and passenger, Charles Powell. After an investigation was conducted, Powell was found to be in possession of a checkbook which did not belong to him. Officers also located two objects in the suspect vehicle which are believed to be crack pipes, as well as possible cocaine residue and other drug paraphenalia. A second checkbook was located in the vehicle which returned to the same victim.

It is unknown how suspect came into possession of the checkbooks. It is also believed that the accounts had been closed. Numerous receipts from businesses around town were located in the vehicle. The receipts totaled more than $6,000 worth of mercandise that may have been purchased with forged checks and pawned shortly afterwards.

Moore was charged with driving while license suspended. Powell was charged with possession of controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Further charges of forgery are expected to be filed.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.