Alleged burglars take Carl Koontz memorial funds
Also, Indy theft ring hits Kokomo; Sheriff reminds motorists to put away distractions
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On March 31, at approximately 9:05 p.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #78, 102 W. Markland Ave., in reference to an interior burglary alarm.
Officers discovered forced entry was made inside the building. During the investigation, officers located 22-year-old Jerome T. Johnson of Pennsylvania hiding inside the building. Johnson was arrested and charged with Burglary, a Level 5 Felony.
Officers continued their investigation and learned an additional sum of cash was stolen from inside the business. Unfortunately, this cash was collected as a donation to the Carl Koontz Fund, which was established in honor of fallen Howard County Sheriff's Office Deputy Carl Koontz. The building also sustained extensive interior damage.
Officers believe Johnson was accompanied by two other individuals during the commission of this crime. These two individuals left the scene prior to the police arrival.
The Kokomo Police is asking assistance from anyone who might have information concerning this investigation. If you have additional information, please contact (765) 456-7017. You can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.
Remember, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Indianapolis theft ring hits Kokomo
On April 1, at approximately 2:59 p.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department were dispatched to a theft in progress at Ulta Beauty, 2134 E. Boulevard St. It was reported that three females, wearing masks, were inside the store stealing merchandise. Upon arrival to the area, officers set up a perimeter around the business. As the three suspects left the business, all three were detained.
The individuals were identified as 33-year-old Zanita Bibbs, 24-year-old Dunisha Pinner, and 19-year-old Rickelle Willis, all from Indianapolis. Merchandise recently stolen from Ulta Beauty was found on one of the suspects. Officers also discovered thousands of dollars in merchandise had just been stolen from Kohl's, 2156 E. Boulevard St.
Officers seized more than $8,000 in cash, a vehicle, and cellular telephones. It is believed that this trio is part of a larger retail theft organization, and the extent of their criminal enterprise is ongoing.
Each suspect was preliminary charged with Corrupt Business Influence, a Level 5 Felony, Theft, a Level 6 Felony, Assisting a Criminal, Class A Misdemeanor. Bibbs was also charged with False Reporting, a Class B Misdemeanor.
The Kokomo Police Department was assisted by the Howard County Sheriff's Department K-9 Division.
If anyone has additional information concerning this case, you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff reminds motorists to put away distractions
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort this April to deter distracted driving.
"Distractions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences,” said Devon McDonald, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director. “We urge all motorists to focus on the road and avoid any activity that takes their attention away from driving safely."
Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind people to put away distractions while on the road. This effort comes during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
“People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk,” said Howard County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Justin Markley. “Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving.”
Violating Indiana’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. Violators of Indiana’s hands-free law could face a Class C infraction with fines of up to $500 and have points added to their license. Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.