In 2016, Flint Wayne Harrison and his son Derek James Harrison were accused of luring a woman and her four teenage daughters and tying them up in a basement in Utah. It was stated that victims and accused were acquainted for some years and had good relationships. According to the law enforcement authorities of Pinedale, Wyoming, father and son invited the mother and her daughters – whose names are not disclosed – at a barbecue. Arriving at the event, a woman with daughters of 13 to 18 years old found that there is no barbecue. According to the victims’ report, the attackers put a bag on the mother’s head and began to bully her. At this time, some of the girls managed to escape and cope with the men taking their baseball bat and hitting one of them. Finally, victims escaped. The elder Harrison was arrested soon.
Actions Taken by the Investigating Agency
At the site of the nearly held crime, the investigating agency found methamphetamine, which father and son appear to have taken over several days. One of the attackers, namely, Derek Harrison managed to escape, and now he is wanted by the police. In order to search for Derek, “Wyoming Highway Patrol, Green River Police Department, Rock Springs Police Department and the Utah Department of Public Safety have joined together” (Manhunt on for 1 of 2 Wyoming men accused of tying up mom, 4 teenage daughters in the basement, 2016, para. 3). In addition, city authorities evacuated the Half Moon Lake campground to ensure their safety and security as it was stated that the suspect was hiding in the near forest. The police also consider that the criminal is armed and very dangerous.
Probable Cause to Stop, Detain, and Arrest the Individual
The potential reason to stop, detain, and arrest the attackers is the evidence-based suit of victims. What is more, one of the criminals recognized his guilt and provided the investigating agency with significant details of the crime. It should also be emphasized that accused men were charged before in kidnapping and possession of a controlled substance. In other words, one might note the case of recidivism.
Probable Cause to Search and Seize Evidence
The fact that the crime was conducted in the house of accused ones is the probable cause to search and seize evidence. In the role of evidence, there might be fingerprints, bat, or bag as per victims’ report. Using the search warrant, the investigating agency might search for the necessary evidence.
Modus Operandi of Crime
Since human behavior is usually repetitive and stereotyped in similar conditions, modus operandi is important to identify criminals’ behavior. In this case, it is obvious that criminals acted through the deception of victims. Using the fact that they were familiar with victims, criminals trapped them. Besides, the accused men have similar experience before in kidnapping and drug use. Therefore, modus operandi of the crime becomes traceable and, consequently, helpful for the law case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to point out my opinion concerning the described case. I completely agree with the decision of the court. Taking into account that one of them is a registered sex offender, the second is hiding from the law, and both of them are recidivists, I consider that they should be sentenced for the serious crime.
Reference
Manhunt on for 1 of 2 Wyoming men accused of tying up mom, 4 teenage daughters in basement. (2016). Fox News Network. Web.