Stolen Church Van Recovered; Suspect Arrested in Hempstead County

Hope, Ark. — A stolen church van from White Oak Grove Church has been recovered and a suspect is in custody following an investigation by the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office.

On Saturday, July 12, at approximately 10:47 a.m., deputies Reed and Garner responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at 314 Highway 332 East. The vehicle in question was a van belonging to White Oak Grove Church.

Following an investigation, deputies arrested 48-year-old David Leroy Hill of Hope on Wednesday, July 16, in connection with the theft. Hill was transported to the Hempstead County Detention Center and is currently being held on multiple charges, including Breaking or Entering, Theft of Property, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a Parole Violation. He is awaiting his first court appearance.

The missing church van was located the following day, Thursday, July 17, in a wooded area near Delight, Arkansas. Investigators Lt. Gary Dorman and Sgt. Jeremy McBride recovered the vehicle, which sustained damage during the incident. The van will be processed as evidence and returned to the church.

The investigation is ongoing.