LITTLE ROCK — Police in Searcy arrested a man Monday who was in the process of burglarizing a local branch of an investment firm, authorities said.
Bernal Johnson, 36, is being held in the White County Law Enforcement Center on a preliminary charge of commercial burglary. Bond was set at $20,000 with formal charges pending.
Searcy Police Department spokesman Terri Lee said officers responded about 5:30 a.m. to investigate a possible burglary at Edward Jones Investments, 1315 E. Race Ave.
Upon arrival, two officers entered through a broken window and found Johnson inside, Lee said. He purportedly charged the officers and a engaged them in a brief struggle before being arrested.
Police say the officers and Johnson suffered only minor scratches in the incident.
The investigation into the burglary is ongoing, but Lee said it appears Johnson was "looking for petty cash" when he targeted the investment branch.