Police searching for car thief
Also, Kokomo man arrested on drug charges connected to death; safety patrols during Thanksgiving
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On Nov. 14, Kokomo Police responded to 2016 N. Washington St. in reference to a vehicle theft. The victim reported that he drove to the Korner Kitchen, located at 2016 N. Washington St. The victim reported that he went inside the business and left his gray 2005 Buick Lesabre (no license plate) running while inside. Upon leaving the business, someone stole his vehicle.
Surveillance photos depicted a person of interest. If anyone can identify the person depicted in the surveillance photos or sees a vehicle matching the description, please contact the Kokomo Police Department. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Kokomo man arrested on drug charges connected to death
On Nov. 13, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Senate Lane for an unconscious/unresponsive 33-year-old female. The female was later pronounced deceased.
On Nov. 14, a search warrant was obtained for a residence in the 800 block of Harvest Drive. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators recovered a substance that field-tested positive for heroin. The resident of that apartment was located by KPD investigators and the Tipton Police Department in the 500 block of Industrial Drive, Tipton, Ind. After a brief foot pursuit, he was taken into custody. He was identified as 27-year-old Tyrsa L Flowers Pigg. Pigg was transported to the Howard County Jail, where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Level 3 Felony, and Dealing in a Controlled Substance, a Level 2 Felony.
Assisting with the investigation was the Tipton Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Department, Tipton County Sheriff’s Department and the Howard County Coroner’s Office.
This case remains under investigation. If anyone has additional information pertaining to this case, you can contact Detective Andrew Grammer at 765-456-7411, by email at agrammer@cityofkokomo.org or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at 765-456-7017. You can also leave an anonymous tip by using KPD’s TIP 411 app. 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 presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Law enforcement stepping up patrols during Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather. However, with more people on the roadways, there is greater potential for crashes. That is why the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Kokomo Police Department are joining law enforcement agencies from across the state to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely.
"This holiday season, we expect to see a lot of traffic on the roads. Please make smart decisions by not mixing drinking and driving,” said Devon McDonald, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Be proactive and plan for a sober driver."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving and fatal crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2021, 190 people throughout the nation died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the holiday travel period ranging from the day before thanksgiving to the Monday following Thanksgiving.
NHTSA data shows there are more motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities during holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol usage, and excessive driving speed. The issue is made worse by Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday.” On that day, there is an increase in overconsumption of alcohol.
From November 2017 to November 2021, 137 drivers nationwide were involved in fatal alcohol-impaired crashes on the night before Thanksgiving. In 2021 alone, 36 drivers in fatal crashes were alcohol impaired. The HCSO reminds people that impaired driving is a matter of life and death.
“The idea of Blackout Wednesday is really a shame,” said Kokomo Police Chief Douglas Stout. “We understand that people want to have a good time, but memories should last a lifetime, not be over before they start. We want everyone to make it to the Thanksgiving table.”
Officers will be on the roads on high alert for impaired drivers. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead to get home safely by designating a sober driver or by using public transportation or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
By working together, we can save lives and make sure there are no empty places at the Thanksgiving table this year.
For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.