Person of Interest Found in Missing Arkansas Realtor Case, Highlights Need For Greater Security Measures for Agents
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I just got off the phone with Dallas Police Department’s North Central Patrol Division Neighborhood Police Officer Mark Lutz, who will be giving us more detailed tips in the coming days on how Realtors can better protect themselves from dangerous criminals, so stay tuned.
Until then, real estate agents can take some comfort in the news that Arkansas officials have apprehended Arron M. Lewis, a convicted felon and parolee accused of kidnapping Little Rock real estate agent Beverly Carter while showing a vacant property. Lewis escaped from an area hospital after a single-car accident just 30 minutes from the bank-owned home Carter was showing when she disappeared. Yesterday, after his escape from the hospital, a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. A Facebook page has been started to help disseminate information regarding Carter’s disappearance.
Of course, this has some Realtors wondering how to best keep this from happening to them. Lutz suggests that a third-party background check would be helpful to screen out potentially risky clients, such as SecureShow. Otherwise, staying aware of dangerous situations is key, Lutz said, as well as calling 911 the moment you suspect something is up.
Inman News says that some agents are calling this incident a “wake-up call” for Realtors. What do you think?
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And I keep thinking of sweet Sarah Walker, in Craig Ranch! Such an eye opener! As it turned out, it was an intruder with a long record of criminal activity, and nothing related to selling homes! More classes and education to anyone ( men and women) on being aware of their surroundings ! Be AWARE! Prayers for Beverly. Terribly sad.
This is just so sad. My prayers go out to Beverly’s family, friends, and co-workers. We all need to be cautious and careful out there. Sara Walker was so sweet, too, and that was another tragic situation. I did my very first transaction 10 years ago with her.
Awareness is very key to safety but also arming yourself, getting sound instruction, practice regularly, and get your CCL. I’m sure there are many agents that already do this and simply don’t advertise it for obvious reasons. This is what I would do if I was in an industry like this. Our law enforcement is overworked and stretched thin and simply can not be everywhere. I can not imagine the pain and anguish her family is enduring right now. It’s hard enough dealing with the loss of a loved one, but to have that loss be so public certainly must add to the stress.