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: Robbery Suspects Identified/ One in Custody

Texarkana Arkansas Police have one suspect in custody and warrants have been issued for a second suspect in reference to two aggravated robberies that occurred over the weekend.

The first incident took place at 5:00pm on 12-15-07 at a convenience store located at 1512 N. State Line. During this robbery a white male suspect later identified as Christopher Rathburn (w/m 39yrs., unknown address) entered the convenience store and indicated to the clerk that he had a weapon in his jacket pocket. When the clerk could not get the cash drawer open the suspect became nervous and left the store without taking any money. The suspect then left the scene in a pickup truck which was being driven by an unknown person.

At approximately 7:00pm the same suspect entered the E-Z Mart at 5400 N. State Line and demanded money from the clerk. Again, the suspect had his hand inside his coat pocket and indicated that he had a weapon. During this robbery the suspect was able to take approximately $50 in cash before fleeing the scene. A second suspect, later identified as Robert Beckom (b/m/54yrs. Texarkana TX) was waiting in a vehicle in the parking lot for Rathburn and the two fled the scene, headed north on State Line. An unidentified witness was able to take down the suspect's license number and the plate returned to suspect Beckom.

TAPD Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Accomplice to Aggravated Robbery on Robert Beckom due to his involvement with the robbery at 5400 State Line. He was located and arrested by Texarkana Texas Police patrol officers at a residence in Texarkana Texas. Two arrest warrants for Aggravated Robbery have been issued on Christopher Rathburn and at this time he is stil at large.

Anyone with information as to Rathburn's location is urged to call the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department at (903)798-3130, or CrimeStoppers at (903)793-STOP. CrimeStoppers will pay up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

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