Martinsville - Last week while on regular patrol of abandoned homes that are property of INDOT due to the I-69 construction project, Master Trooper Doug Perry discovered two male suspects stripping metal and wire from the structure located at 2460 S. SR 37 near Martinsville. The two suspects fled, but M/Trp. Perry was able to apprehend one as he attempted to hide. The other suspect was not located at that time.
The first person was identified as Elba D. Davis (08-05-72) of Martinsville, Indiana. Davis was incarcerated at the Morgan County Jail on charges of theft as well as possession of hypodermic needles, which had allegedly been used to inject methamphetamines.
M/Trp. Perry, with the assistance of other troopers and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, was able to identify the second suspect.
An arrest warrant is expected in the near future.
Unfortunately, thefts and burglaries from these INDOT properties have become a case that troopers are routinely investigating. In response to the large number of thefts, M/Trp. Perry has made patrols of these locations a priority. This case represents the second set of suspects M/Trp Perry has arrested committing thefts of INDOT properties in Morgan County.
After INDOT purchases these properties, they are bid out to demolition in an effort to recoup some of the costs. When the scrap metal is stolen from the homes, INDOT is unable to bid out the property and the company that is paid to demolish the home loses out on any income they would generate from selling the scrap metal.
The Indiana State Police continues to monitor these INDOT properties and asks anyone with any information on these cases to contact the Bloomington Post at (812) 332-4411.
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