Four men identified as Colombian nationals are facing charges after Fishers police say a team sliced through a bedroom wall and stole around $365,000 during a July 21 home break-in. According to detectives, the trio chose a property on the city’s north-east side, carved out an entry into the master bedroom, and stole over $300,000 in cash, as well as nearly $65,000 in jewellery and high-end luggage. Officers have four individuals in custody and believe up to three others may have been involved.
Two of the men, David Torres Martinez and Sebastian Rodriguez Menjura, were apprehended just across the Ohio border and lodged in Montgomery County, Ohio, while two more were caught in eastern Indiana and returned to Hamilton County. Major Ryan Jones of the Fishers Police Department told WIBC 93.1 FM, “If people are going to come into Fishers and commit crimes like this, we’re going to use every tool available to hold them accountable.” All four males are being jailed without bond while the investigation continues.
According to court records, the burglary occurred on July 21 at a residence on Eller Creek Drive while the owners of a Hamilton County diamond company were away. According to YouAreCurrent, the suspects broke through the master bedroom wall, concentrated their search in just one room, and stole cash, a Rolex, and other jewellery, as well as luxury purses. According to the probable cause affidavit, one suspect acknowledged observing the home and its owners for about two weeks prior to the break-in.
Police said the crime comes at a time when agencies around the country are dealing with what some call “burglary tourism”, in which crews of South American nationals travel to target posh communities. Authorities in Southern California recently announced the arrest of suspected Colombian thieves in a string of home break-ins, a case that, according to The Los Angeles Times, has officials emphasising the importance of tight coordination across city and state lines.
According to YouAreCurrent, all four males are charged with burglary, theft, and criminal mischief, with court papers estimating a total loss of almost $365,000, including $300,000 in cash and nearly $65,000 in jewels and luxury goods. One charging document sets bond at $500,000 for a suspect identified as Sebastian Martinez. According to investigators, at least one of the suspects’ vehicles contained things with the homeowners’ identities. Prosecutors are currently evaluating the evidence, as investigators continue to work with agencies in Indiana and Ohio to find any other members of the team.
Fishers police say traffic camera data helped investigators track down at least two vehicles suspected of being involved in the crime, and they’re asking anyone with information to call the department’s tip line. Authorities say they are still working with Ohio State Police and adjacent county agencies to find other suspects, according to WIBC 93.1 FM.
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