Published: October 19, 2009 10:57 pm      

Off-duty officers help nab suspects

Suspicious activity prompts 911 call.

Prompt action by a vigilant passer-by and off-duty law enforcement officers resulted in the arrest of three alleged burglars Sunday evening, according to Howard County Sheriff Marty Talbert.

Five off-duty officers joined in the hunt for a dark-colored Dodge van after deputies received a 911 call just before 5 p.m. Sunday.

A person Talbert referred to as an “alert citizen” called 911 after witnessing a possible burglary of a residence in the 5400 block of West 100 North. The caller told Howard County dispatch two male suspects were moving a television set and other items from the home to the van.

Talbert said the caller then followed the suspects as they left the alleged crime scene. The suspects attempted to elude the citizen, apparently recognizing they were being followed, Talbert said.

By then, however, three off-duty sheriff deputies and two off-duty state police had responded to the northwestern part of Howard County, as well as officers who were on duty.

Deputy Mike Miller, who was off duty at the time, spotted a van matching the description traveling eastbound on Smith Road at Davis Road.

After initially refusing to stop, Talbert said the individuals in the van finally pulled to the shoulder near the intersection of 300 North and 50 West, and officers arrested the three occupants.

Jeremiah L. Dunn, 21, and Jessica Lynn Ward, 23, both of Tipton, were arrested along with Brant M. Barker, 27, Anderson. All three face Class B felony burglary charges, and Barker faces a Class D resisting law enforcement charge.

Inside the van, Talbert said officers recovered a flat-screen television, a laptop computer, documents and mail taken from the burglarized home.

At the alleged crime scene, officers said they found the front door kicked in and drawers ransacked. Officers also said duct tape and rubber gloves were found inside the van. No one was home when the crime allegedly occurred, Talbert said.

“This is a great example of the value of allowing officers to use their police cars when off duty,” Talbert said.

The burglary remains under investigation. Anyone with information should call Sheriff Lt. Greg Hargrove at 765-456-2031.

• Scott Smith is a Kokomo Tribune staff writer. He may be reached at (765) 454-8569 or via e-mail at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com