A man from Pennsylvania burglarized a Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Kokomo, Indiana, Indiana, as stated in a press release from the Kokomo Police Department. The police announcement says that money was stolen from a fund for a fallen officer.
The announcement described the incident as a “burglary call at the FOP.” The Fraternal Order of Police is a major group of law enforcement officers.
Police stated they are still searching for two other suspects, but they discovered Jerome T. Johnson of Pennsylvania hiding inside the lodge.
Here’s what you need to know:
Kokomo Police Found Jerome T. Johnson ‘Hiding Inside the Building’
MugshotJerome T. Johnson
On March 31, 2024, at about 9:05 p.m., Officers of the Kokomo Police Department “went to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #78, at 102 W. Markland Avenue, because of an interior burglary alarm,” the press release says.
“Officers found forced entry inside the building. During the investigation, officers found 22-year-old Jerome T. Johnson of Pennsylvania, hiding inside the building,” the release continues.
It says that Johnson was arrested and charged with Burglary, a Level 5 Felony.
Kokomo Police Report Cash Was Stolen From Inside the Lodge
Kokomo PDKokomo police.
Officers “continued their investigation and learned an additional sum of cash was stolen from inside the business,” the release says.
“Unfortunately, this cash was collected as a donation to the Carl Koontz Fund, which was set up in honor of fallen Howard County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carl Koontz,” it says. “The building also sustained extensive interior damage.”
Officers believe Jerome Johnson “was accompanied by two other individuals during the commission of this crime. These two individuals left the scene prior to the police arrival,” the release says.
“The Kokomo Police is asking assistance from anyone who might have information concerning this investigation,” the release continues.
“If you have additional information, please contact (765) 456-7017. You can always report tips anonymously by downloading the “Kokomo PD” mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411. 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 innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
Deputy Koontz was killed in 2016, according to the Indiana Law Enforcement Memorial website.
The website says he was killed while he and other deputies “were serving warrants for drug-related offenses on a subject at a trailer park in Russiaville.”
Deputies had received no response when they knocked on the door of the mobile home and announced their presence, according to the law enforcement memorial page.
“Upon entering the home, the deputies were confronted by gunfire and Deputy Koontz and another deputy were wounded,” the memorial page says.
Koontz passed away after having surgery. He had previously worked as a corrections officer with the department and is survived by his wife and their 8-month-old son, according to the law enforcement memorial page.
