Suspect detained in Christmas arson, beating
Also, United Way offering internships, certification in Community Resilience
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On Dec. 25, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Howard County 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a possible residential fire at 3321 E. 300 S. The caller further stated that there was smoke coming out of the home and that they were unsure if anyone was inside.
Fire apparatuses from the Taylor Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison Volunteer Fire Department and Howard County Emergency Management Agency were dispatched to the scene along with the Kokomo Fire Department. Within 12 minutes, crew members from Kokomo Fire Department’s Engine 2 arrived on scene, located a female subject inside and extinguished the fire.
The female subject located was subsequently pronounced deceased on scene by medics from Community Howard Regional Hospital at 1:14 p.m. A crime scene was established, and investigators from the Howard County Coroner’s Office, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Indiana State Police were called to assist Sheriff’s Detectives.
As the investigation progressed, a person of interest was established, and an attempt to locate was put out to all units for 44-year-old Curtis L. Freeman, who was believed to be homeless. During this time, Sheriff’s Deputies, along with Kokomo Police Officers, began canvasing the immediate and surrounding areas while following up on tips and leads as they came in from investigators and the public. This investigation continued throughout the evening and into Dec. 26.
On the afternoon of Dec. 26, Howard County Sheriff’s Detectives were contacted by Deputies of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office with a report that Freeman was seen in a liquor store in their county. Further investigation revealed that Freeman had likely received a ride to Dubois County from the store. Through a collaborative effort amongst multiple law enforcement agencies, Freeman was located and taken into custody in Dubois County on an outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant out of Vigo County.
On the evening on Dec. 26, the Howard County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as the homeowner and resident Pamela K. Hunter, age 73, following an autopsy. The preliminary findings of the exam are consistent with that of blunt force trauma. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide. The final determination is pending toxicology and lab results. Prior to this release being made, the legal next of kin was notified.
This case remains under investigation by multiple agencies and anyone with information should contact Detective Shirey at 765-614-3449 or by submitting a tip using our mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the aforementioned entities as well as members of the Sharpsville Volunteer Fire Department.
United Way offering internships
United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties announces the creation of internships which will lead to certification in Community Resilience Training. Learn the mechanics of facilitation. Engage in community dialogue. Strengthen social infrastructure, and earn a certificate.
The United Way is looking for students eager to learn interdisciplinary communication and applied systems thinking. Trainees will co-facilitate small community conversations about barriers to safe and quality childcare.
Informational sessions about this internship program will be held on Sat., Jan 6, from 10 a.m. until noon, 1-3 p.m., 4-6 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. at the United Way building, 210 W. Walnut St.
The internship is an eight-week program with training at United Way and work two Saturdays a month or each Wednesday at other sites as needed. College students are encouraged to apply, and high school seniors and community members are also welcome. The first cohort will begin in January.
This internship is paid for by the United Way’s Community Resilience Initiative and the Institute for Social Public Health.
To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/UnitedWayTraining