Gustav Evacuees Arrested In Fort Smith

FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Many Hurricane Gustav evacuees have taken advantage of Fort Chaffee's daily trips into downtown Fort Smith. It's an opportunity for displaced Louisiana residents to get off the military base and shop at local stores.

Fort Smith's Police Department says the trips have resulted in a few evacuees getting arrested for shoplifting at Wal-Mart stores on Rogers Avenue and Zero Street.

"We have seen problems at some of the local retailers having some of these evacuees come in and attempt to steal or actually steal or shoplift," said Sgt. Jarrard Copeland, of the Fort Smith Police Department.

Copeland said at least five individuals have been arrested in connection with various acts including shoplifting, drinking in public and disorderly conduct.

At Wal-Mart's request, two off-duty police officers have been assigned to each of its stores to help monitor the store and its merchandise.

"We also have officers that normally work those beats trying to spend as much extra time on the parking lot or getting out and walking into the store periodically," said Copeland.

Despite the few who have caused problems, Copeland said it doesn't take away the fact that most of the evacuees are good people.

"There are some really decent people that are up here," said Copeland. They're really appreciative of what we have to offer, and we don't want to overlook that."