Colt Man Arrested in Connection with Agricultural Thefts and Commercial Burglary

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Philandus Watson, 31, of Colt, Arkansas, was arrested on warrants in connection with multiple theft cases. Watson faces three counts of Theft of Scrap Metal, classified as Class B felonies, and one count of Commercial Burglary, a Class C felony while being held in the St. Francis County Detention Center on unrelated felony charges.

Investigators began examining a series of copper thefts reported by local farmers, who discovered that copper had been cut and stolen from agricultural irrigation pivots and well heads. During the investigation, authorities also pursued leads related to AT&T utility copper wire thefts, in which individuals were cutting and removing wire from utility poles and ground-level pedestals.

Through the course of the investigation, authorities determined that the incidents were likely connected. Investigators conducted multiple interviews regarding both the agricultural and AT&T-related thefts.

Watson has been identified as the second individual arrested in connection with the agricultural thefts. He admitted to investigators that he cut and removed copper wire from three farms: Trail Farms, Keeling Farms, and Blaylock Farms. These thefts resulted in approximately $60,000 dollars in total damages and repair costs.

Investigators also learned that the former Burger King building, more recently known as Sharks Restaurant, located just north of the Waffle House, had been broken into. Copper and other metals were reportedly taken from the building. Investigators have identified the individuals involved in that incident as well.  Watson was identified as one of the ones breaking into the building and stealing copper from there as well.  The investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected.  Watson appeared before a judge today and his bond was set at $25,000 dollars.