Mineral Springs Teen Held on Burglary, Theft and Firearm Charges

An 18-year-old Mineral Springs resident is being held in the Howard County Jail on charges of commercial burglary, theft of property, possession of a firearm and theft by receiving.

According to a Mineral Springs Police report, Officer Jason McDonald was dispatched to the Mineral Springs School District in reference to a break-in.

Superintendent JonDavid Amerson reported that central office staff notified him on May 29 that food and drinks had been stolen from the boardroom refrigerator on or about May 26.

After reviewing surveillance footage, school officials observed a male suspect wearing a hoodie and carrying a backpack. After entering the building, the suspect removed his hoodie and was identified as former student Kayden Collins.

According to the report, surveillance video showed Collins entering several classrooms as well as the boardroom. Investigators estimated that he remained inside the building for approximately 15 minutes.

On June 8, Mineral Springs Police Chief Francisco Mercado reportedly observed Collins near the football stadium. Mercado arrested Collins and discovered a firearm inside a fanny pack Collins was wearing across his torso.

The firearm was checked through the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), where officers determined it had been reported stolen in Hope.

During an interview with police, Collins reportedly stated that he purchased the firearm for $300 from an unidentified male from Hope.

Collins remains in custody at the Howard County Jail pending further proceedings.