Man Accused of $2,081 Store Theft Arrested After Returning, Police Say

Jonesboro police responded to a store on South Caraway Road on Oct. 6, 2026, after a supervisor reported that a man had taken several pieces of merchandise earlier that day. The supervisor described the suspect as wearing a white shirt and carrying a Champion backpack. According to the probable cause affidavit, the merchandise was valued at $2,081. Police allege the suspect cut security devices, described in the affidavit as "spider wraps," from the merchandise and left the devices on a shelf. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and requested a copy.

The same man returned to the store on Oct. 12, prompting another police response. Officers identified him as Malcolm Jamal Meadows and learned he had active warrants out of Mississippi County. The affidavit states Meadows was positively identified as the person who took the merchandise on Oct. 6. The document does not specify the allegations underlying the Mississippi County warrants.

According to first-appearance records, Meadows faces allegations of shoplifting involving more than $1,000 but no more than $5,000, a Class D felony, and unlawful removal of a theft detection device, first offense. In an Oct. 14 court order, Judge David Boling found probable cause for Meadows' detention on the two allegations and set bond at $100,000 cash or surety with GPS monitoring. In a note on the order, the judge described Meadows as a habitual offender, citing multiple prior theft charges as well as commercial and residential burglary and robbery charges. The court also stated he had no ties to Craighead County. The supplied records do not detail the outcomes of those prior charges.

Meadows' next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.