Brothers charged in June beating

By MIKE FLETCHER
Tribune staff writer

July 15, 2008 10:36 pm

— Kokomo police arrested two brothers Monday afternoon accused of beating and stomping the head of a 26-year-old man in June.
The KPD’s SWAT team was called to assist in serving the warrants for Shawn, 37, and Alfonzo Richardson, 24, in the 1000 block of South Webster Street.
Both surrendered to police without a struggle.
When police first drove by a home at 1022 S. Webster St., they saw Alfonzo sitting on the porch. As officers approached, Alfonzo ran. Neighbors then told police they spotted him running back to the Webster Street home.
Officers then went back to the residence and knocked on the door. Initially, no one answered the door, prompting Thompson to call SWAT.
Minutes later, Capt. Brian Thompson knocked again and the brothers surrendered.
Alfonzo Richardson faces Class B felony aggravated battery, and his brother, Shawn, faces a B felony aiding, inducing or causing aggravated battery.
Both are being held at the Howard County jail on $30,000 bail each. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison upon a conviction.
Officers found the victim, Isa Harmon, 26, about 2:50 a.m. June 21 lying in the street in the 1000 block of South Main Street bleeding from his head and face.
Witnesses told police that Alfonzo Richardson knocked Harmon to the ground and stomped on his head several times while Shawn held a friend of Harmon’s back so he could not help him, Thompson said.
After identifying the men through witnesses, police obtained warrants for their arrests.
Harmon was transported by Lifeline Helicopter to Methodist Hospital and had been listed in critical condition with a skull fracture.
Harmon’s condition is improving but he still needs 24-hour medical care and is undergoing rehabilitation at this time, Thompson said.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to call the Kokomo Police Hotline at (765) 456-7017, or you may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with your anonymous tip.
Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com