Police make arrest in serial burglary case
Also, credit card thief sought by KPD, search active for man missing since Oct. 15
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On September 20, 2023, Kokomo Police responded to seven residential burglaries at four separate apartment complexes in Kokomo. These burglaries occurred at Westbrook Apartments, Legends of Wildcat, Autumn Trace, and First Flats Apartments. It was believed all seven burglaries were committed by the same individual or the same group of individuals.
During the investigation, evidence led investigators to a suspect identified as John W. Gilliam of Villa Park, Ill. With the assistance of the Villa Park Police, investigators were able to recover evidence stolen from the apartment burglaries in Kokomo. These items included firearms, jewelry, and other evidence. In addition, items stolen in other jurisdictions were recovered.
Investigators requested a warrant for the arrest of John W. Gilliam for seven counts of burglary. Warrants were also requested for Kelly Norman, an associate of Gilliam, for seven counts of aiding, inducing, or causing a burglary.
John Gilliam was taken into custody in Cook County, Ill. He was later transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center where he is currently being held. Kelly Norman is still wanted at the time of this release.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Kelly Norman or has additional information concerning these investigations is asked to contact Detective Brent Wines at 765-456-7342, or email at kwines@cityofkokomo.org.
Credit card thief sought by KPD
On October 26, 2023, Kokomo Police responded to a local hospital concerning a theft investigation. The victim reported while working inside the hospital, she started receiving fraud alerts from her credit card institutions. The victim advised that she looked inside her purse, which was setting under a desk in an office, and noticed her wallet was missing. The victim found that large purchases were attempted at a Best Buy Store in Kokomo.
Police obtained Best Buy store surveillance footage of the attempted transactions. Depicted on the store surveillance footage was individual attempting to make purchases with the victim's credit cards.
Kokomo Police is asking for assistance from the public if they have information or know the identity of the person depicted on surveillance photo at Best Buy. Please contact the Kokomo Police Department at (765) 456-7017.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Search active for man missing since Oct. 15
On October 25, 2023, Kokomo Police took a missing person report. The complainant reported that Bill Montgomery has not been seen since October 15, 2023. Kokomo Police have searched local hospitals and other locations for Montgomery's whereabouts. Bill Montgomery is described as white male, age 60, approximately 5'8", approximately 165 pounds, with short gray hair.
The Kokomo Police Department is continuing the investigation of Montgomery's whereabouts. Kokomo Police is asking if anyone has had contact with Bill Montgomery or know of his whereabouts to please contact the Kokomo Police Department at 765-456-7017.
You can report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from iOS or Google Play stores. You can text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411. You can qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS.