IMPD looking for suspect after items stolen from Little League Baseball garage
This story originally contained photographs of a truck, as well as a minivan. The owner of the truck and the minivan have since been cleared as suspects.
IMPD detectives are still looking for a suspect in the case.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are on the lookout for a vehicle driven by a theft suspect.
The suspect broke into the Franklin Township Little League Baseball garage in the 4000 block of South Bazil Avenue, sometime between June 26 and 28, IMPD says.
Bill Toth, president of Franklin Township Little League Baseball, showed News 8 where the thieves literally peeled back part of a metal door to steal things inside.
“You feel like it’s an attack on the kids,” Toth said.
Toth said thieves stole about $8,000-$10,000 worth of equipment, including a zero-turn riding mower, a generator, an air compressor and a trailer. Much of the money to pay for it, came from parents of the team members, as well as sponsors.
“It’s the community, and more importantly the kids, that were stolen from,” Toth said.
Hundreds of kids, ranging from ages 6-16, play in the league, which has been around for more than 60 years.
“Our kids definitely were like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe somebody would do that.’ So, from that standpoint, they’re definitely disappointed,” Toth said.
The suspect, believed to be an older white man, stole a 5-foot Gravely zero-turn mower, an air compressor, a generator and a 2017 black carry-on utility trailer.
The suspect’s possible vehicle include a newer silver Chrysler or Dodge minivan with rear tinted windows.
Toth hopes the party who stole the equipment from the league feels regret.
“I’d be thrilled if it even just showed up magically and they just felt bad and dropped it off. That would be fantastic,” Toth explained.
Toth said people around the community have already stepped up to help. Now, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the season has been pushed back to August. Toth expects the children to have a quality season, regardless.
“The community will rally around and make it right,” Toth explained.
IMPD also said people with information about the vehicle or possible suspects can call Detective Prendergast at 317-327-6352 or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
According to IMPD, you will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards.
