Holly MatkinLittle Rock, AR – Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott’s younger brother was arrested on Monday after he allegedly stole a vehicle with two children inside.
According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the kidnapping was the third incident involving Darrell Lamont Scott, 31, to occur on July 6, KATV reported.
His first arrest took place at the McCain Mall Dillards store at approximately 2:30 p.m., after he was allegedly caught shoplifting approximately $350 worth of cosmetics and shoes.
He was released from custody after being fingerprinted, KATV reported.
About two hours later, Darrell Scott allegedly crashed a black SUV and was rushed to Baptist Health by ambulance, the ASP said.
He was cited for careless driving, driving while intoxicated, obstructing governmental operations, driving without a license or proof of insurance, and driving with an open container of alcohol, but fled the hospital prior to the ASP’s arrival, KATV reported.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman parked her pickup truck outside Baptist Health, leaving her four-year-old and 10-year-old nieces sitting inside the running vehicle while she went into the building to use the bathroom, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.
Minutes later, the older child called her aunt and told her that a man was driving away with them, according to KATV.
“Don’t worry – I’m the mayor’s brother,” Darrell Scott allegedly told the woman over the phone.
He also assured her that he was just taking the kids “for a while,” according to 911 recordings.
The woman said she later received a text message from the children telling her that they were parked at the McCain Mall in North Little Rock, which is located approximately 14 miles away from where the vehicle was stolen, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.
North Little Rock police found the girls safe inside the pickup truck.
Darrell Scott was located inside the mall and arrested on charges of felony theft and two counts of kidnapping, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.
He was transported to the Pulaski County Jail, where he allegedly told officers he had been sexually assaulted while in the custody of the North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD), KATV reported.
Darrell Scott was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he underwent a rape kit before returning to the jail.
NLRPD said it has opened an investigation into the sexual assault allegations.
Darrell Scott pleaded not guilty to the charges against him on Tuesday, and is due back in court on Sep. 4, KATV reported.
His attorney said he has no prior criminal history.
According to Pulaski County court records, Darrell Scott’s parents tried to have him involuntarily committed for mental health treatment in both May and June, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.
They said he had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which they believed were factors contributing to his erratic behavior.
Darrell Scott agreed to admit himself to Baptist Health in May, resulting in his parents’ initial petition being dismissed, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.
Their second petition was dismissed last week because he had not been served with a notice that the matter was pending.
“This is an extremely difficult season in the life of my younger brother,” Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott said in a statement on Monday, according to KATV. “My family cares deeply about him, and we are seeking medical and professional help as he manages this crisis.”
“My heart goes out to the children who were involved,” the mayor added. “While my life, in many regards, is public, my family members remain private individuals. I ask that you respect my family’s privacy and pray that my brother gets the treatment he needs and that justice is served.”
