Bloomington burglar caught red-handed while robbing jailer

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives working with other local agencies quickly wrapped up a potentially dangerous incident on Monday.

Dispatchers first received a report of a possible burglary in progress in the 16100 block of Southeastern Parkway, near Fishers, shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday. The complainant who reported the incident is a Corrections Officer employed at the Hamilton County Jail.

Crockett

According to initial information, the complainant, Justin Rennaker, arrived home and found a white male subject exiting the house carrying several items. The male suspect, later identified as Michael James Crockett, 37, Bloomington, allegedly had a handgun and took Rennaker’s truck, a brown Chevrolet Silverado, since his own vehicle was blocked in by the truck. The truck also contained an issued duty weapon and ballistic vest.

Using an electronic tracking system built into the Silverado, officials quickly were able to locate the vehicle near Michigan Road and 62nd Street in Indianapolis. The system allowed the truck to be safely deactivated so IMPD officers could move in to apprehend the suspect. Crockett was taken into custody shortly after noon without incident and was transported back to the Hamilton County Jail for questioning.

Crockett is facing initial felony charges of Robbery, Burglary, Theft, Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon and Pointing a Firearm. He is also being questioned in connection with other alleged burglaries in Hamilton County.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Fishers Police Department, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Hamilton County Public Safety Communications.

A charge is merely an accusation and all subjects are presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.