Abandoned truck leads sheriff to alleged thief
25-year-old Randy Stanke arrested for auto theft, possession of cocaine
On Nov. 1, 2023, at approximately 7:49 p.m., the Howard County 911 Dispatch Center received report of a vehicle that was driven off the roadway and into a standing cornfield in the area of CR 400 N. and CR 600 E.
Upon arrival, Deputies and Violent Crimes Sheriff’s Task Force Investigators located an abandoned 2017 Dodge Ram approximately 100 feet into the cornfield. While on scene, dispatch received an additional call from a nearby resident who stated he just caught a male subject breaking into his vehicle and attempting to steal it. The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Randy Stanke, who was placed into custody.
During the subsequent vehicle search of Stanke’s vehicle, the following items were confiscated as evidence:
Black box containing 12g of white rock like substance - field tested positive for cocaine
(2) glass smoking pipes with white powder residue
Smith and Wesson handgun containing 11 rounds to include one in the chamber
U.S. currency
Stanke was booked-in with the following charges:
35-48-4-6, Possession of cocaine, Level 3 Felony
35-43-4-2(A)(1)(B)(li), Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony
9-26-1-1.1(b), Leaving the scene of an accident, B Misdemeanor
35-48-4-8.3, Possession of paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor
This case remains under investigation, and anyone with information should contact Detective Bohannon or Detective Cline at 765-614-3494 or by submitting a tip using our app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.