Police beat

2 officers fix door after LR burglary

After using their own money and time to repair a burglary victim’s broken door, two Little Rock police officers have been recommended by a department official for a letter of commendation.

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Police responded to a burglary Tuesday morning at 12 Meadowlark Lane, the home of Kristen Epperson and her 13-year-old son.

The teenager was staying home alone from school because he was sick. About 8:37 a.m., two men broke down the door and the boy grabbed a “fireplace tool” to defend himself, which scared away the intruders, according to a police report.

The men were able to steal a TV, valued around $700, before fleeing.

Shortly after officers responded to the home and interviewed them, Epperson and her son drove to a relative’s house down the street. But on the way, they were struck by a vehicle that ran a red light and were hospitalized with unknown injuries.

While off icer Chance Ketzscher stayed behind to watch the home, officer Brian Healy bought hardware, including nails, screws and glue, to fix the family’s door. The two then repaired the door’s jamb, knob and trim, which had been destroyed in the burglary, before locking the door and leaving.

“Officer Healy purchased the items with his own money and even purchased extra-long lag screws to better secure the front door,” Sgt. Jason Follett wrote in a memorandum released by police.

In the memorandum, Follett endorsed the officers as letter of commendation recipients for “displaying outstanding citizenship” and going “beyond their duty to help the distressed citizen.” The commendations are issued by the Police Department.

“Ms. Epperson and her 13 year old son experienced two traumatic events in a matter of an hour,” Follett wrote. “Ms. Epperson was very upset and concerned for her home and its contents following the burglary and vehicle accident.”

The burglary suspects fled in a vehicle described as a 2007 Nissan Maxima with Arkansas tags. The suspects are described as black men between 23 and 26 years old who are both 5 feet 10 inches tall and weigh about 180 pounds.

It was unknown late Tuesday if any arrests had been made in the case.

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