SHARPSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – Sharpsville police are investigating a possible insurance scam that could make your home more vulnerable to burglaries. Police say a man has been taking photos of houses and claiming to work for a fake insurance company.
Police have been trying to track the man down and talk to him to see if he is doing legitimate work, but they haven’t had much luck. They say what they’ve heard from residents so far is very suspicious and they want people to be alert.
According to Sharpsville Police, a homeowner called 911 after a man came to the door claiming to be with an insurance company called Mutual Reliable Insurance. The man wanted to take pictures of the house, but the homeowner sensed something wasn’t right.
“He couldn’t provide any information and had no identification whatsoever. He had no paperwork,” said Town Marshal Ray Sheppard.
Sheppard says he’s also looked into the insurance company, and hasn’t been able to find one by that name.
“I’ve done research. I’ve reached out to people, they’ve never heard of this company,” said Sheppard.
He told 24-Hour News 8 at this point, he does not believe the man was working for an insurance company. He went on to say there have been numerous burglaries in Tipton County and he wants people to be vigilant.
“In this situation I think that it could be very dangerous. I don’t necessarily foresee that. I don’t want that, obviously, that’s why I put the information out as quick as I could,” said Sheppard.
There is only a vague description of the suspect. Police say he was driving a newer model of a dark gray four-door passenger car.
“I don’t want to put any insurance inspectors in harms way… but I think that you should be able to provide some kind of information so the homeowner feels more at ease,” said Sheppard.
Police say if someone comes to your door claiming to be with an insurance company ask them to provide credentials, or call your insurance company to verify that someone is supposed to be at your house.
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SHARPSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – Each and every Dick Wolfsie shares and interesting and unique story that has a special connection to central Indiana.
This time Dick Wolfsie goes back in time as he visits “A Summer Place.”
Jim Richardson, the owner and operator of “A Summer Place”, takes Dick on a tour of the area that transports you back to the 1950s.
Made up of items from the 1950s, there is a diner, a garage and even a movie theater.
In addition to showing Dick around the special area, Richardson talks about Jay Leno’s recent visit.
For more information on “A Summer Place”, click here.
To hear more and take a trip back in time, click on the videos.
TIPTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — A central Indiana girl was moved to tears after hearing news she’s awaited for a long time.
Kurt and Cheryl Scharff of Sharpsville surprised their 9-year-old daughter, Gracie, with a big announcement: a baby girl is on the way!
Cheryl was behind the camera as Gracie pulled baby clothes out of a bag and realized what was happening.
“Is it a girl?” Gracie asks excitedly as her father confirms the big news. “It’s a girl!”
Kurt told 24-hour News 8 that Gracie has long wanted a baby girl to join her and 4-year-old brother Kole. The new little bundle of joy is expected in October.
Watch the entire scene unfold in the video above. It originally appeared on YouTube.
TIPTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH ) — A 17-year-old died in a crash in Tipton County early Saturday morning, according to Indiana State Police.
It happened on North County Road 500 West around 4:15 a.m.
Police say Devin Majors, of Sharpsville, was driving when he lost control and hit a tree.
Majors died at the scene.
A 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital with internal injuries.
A 14-year-old passenger ran from the the scene but was later found uninjured.
ISP says it appears alcohol and speed played a role in the crash.
SHARPSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – The Sharpsville Utilities Dept. said a boil order for its customers is in effect starting Thursday night at 7:01 p.m.
The boil order has been issued in response to a water main break. The utility company is working on resolving the issue, but they wanted to alert citizens to a possible contamination of their drinking water.
Officials have stated that all water being used for cooking and drinking should be completely boiled for at least five minutes.