Also, KPD arrests pair on burglary charges related to convenience store break-in

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On Dec. 6, 2024, at approximately 9:47 p.m., Deputy Jeremiah Jackson #34-106 of the Howard County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Berkley and Jefferson streets. The stop was prompted when a black vehicle, driven by 27-year-old Malachi Peters, was observed speeding through a red light and narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle.

During the stop, Mr. Peters informed Deputy Jackson that his residence had been burglarized, explaining that he had left in a hurry to confront the situation himself and had not yet called 911. Deputy Jackson accompanied Mr. Peters to his apartment on Harvest Drive, where evidence of forced entry was discovered. While conducting a protective sweep for safety, Deputy Jackson observed items in plain view consistent with marijuana distribution and detected a strong odor of raw marijuana.

Following the denial of consent to search the residence, a search warrant was obtained based on the presence of items in plain view consistent with drug distribution and the odor of raw marijuana. The warrant was executed with assistance from additional deputies. The search led to the seizure of:

• Approximately 8.5 pounds of marijuana and various THC products, including vape cartridges, edibles, and oils.

• Approximately 397.2 grams of psychedelic mushrooms.

• Multiple firearms, including a Glock 43X, Maverick 12-gauge shotgun, and a Diamondback AR-15.

• $1,620 in cash and drug distribution paraphernalia, including scales, packaging materials, and a money counter.

• Various THC products, including 53 "Sweet Live" vape cartridges, 56 "Tyson Pod" cartridges, 133 "VYBE" cartridges, and additional cartridges and edibles totaling hundreds of items.

• Hash oil and related products, including nine containers labeled as hash oil, multiple Mason jars with undetermined amounts of oil, and various glass smoking devices.

• Packaging materials, including vacuum-seal freezer bags, mylar bags, and small glass containers commonly associated with drug distribution.

The extensive inventory of seized items highlights a significant illegal drug operation involving large quantities of marijuana, THC derivatives, and psychedelic substances.

Mr. Peters was arrested and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center. A bond was set at $50,000, and 10 percent was posted two days later. He faces the following charges:

• Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance (Level 2 Felony)

• Dealing in Marijuana (Level 6 Felony)

• Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction (Level 6 Felony)

• Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor)

The investigation into the initial residential burglary is ongoing, and at this time, no suspects have been identified. Anyone with information on this case should contact Deputy Jackson at 765-614-3406 or by submitting a tip using our app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

KPD makes burglary arrests

On December 16, 2024, at approximately 2:17 a.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to The Joint Smoke Shop, located at 2000 S. Goyer Rd., in reference to a report of a burglary in progress.

Upon arrival, officers observed the drive thru window glass to be broken. While searching the area, officers located two male suspects matching the description from the store’s surveillance footage.

As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Talen Wohlford and 26-year-old John Walters were taken into custody on the preliminary charge of Level 5 Felony Burglary.

This case remains under investigation. If anyone has information pertaining to this case, you can contact Lt. Austin McClain at 456-7268 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at 765-456-7017. You can also leave an anonymous tip by using the tip411 app, or you can contact the Kokomo Police Department at 765-457-1105. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.

Remember, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.