04/19/2026
A-Squad deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in Tri-City Heights. Carole, a friend of the homeowner, arrived to the location to drop off some items for her friend that was not home.
As Carole approached the home, she was quickly met with confrontation from the friend’s adult son. A person that has a history of violence and assaults.
The suspect male, James Daniel, took Carole’s phone from her, broke it in half and shattered it. Daniel also took Carole’s keys from her and threw them into a grassy field across the street.
Carole was able to safely get away from Daniel, and go to a neighboring residence to call police.
Deputies quickly arrived to the location and arrested Daniel after probable cause was established.
It was learned that while Carole left to call police, Daniel had gained access to Carole’s vehicle. Daniel opened all four doors, threw a walking cart on her front windshield and rummaged through it, removing Carole’s personal property. One of items being a electronic tablet in which he destroyed.
Daniel also took f***s and smeared it on the exterior of the vehicles door handles and rear window.
Once Daniel was taken to the Benton County Jail, Deputy Bergman and her partner, K9 Sir Edward conducted an article search for the victims keys that were thrown into the field.
K9 Edward successfully located the keys on the article search and Carole was very appreciative that her keys were located and she didn’t need to make additional accommodations to have her vehicle towed to her home from the location.
With the help of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Foundation our deputies were able to provide the victim with a $100.00 Visa gift card to help her with the costs to get a new phone as well as a car wash voucher, in addition to making sure that the suspect was held accountable for his actions.
Daniel was arrested for malicious mischief, vehicle prowling and disorderly conduct.
This is one of the nearly 200 calls for service handled by our office over the weekend.
Stay safe.
