SPRINGVILLE – Over the past week, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office had launched investigations into multiple burglaries, all located northwest of Springville.
As part of the investigations, on February 5th at approximately 8:00 p.m., Detective Andrea Barnett, Deputy Thomas Porter, Sheriff Greg Day, and ISP Detective Caleb Garvin went to a residence in the 12000 block of Hobbieville Road in an attempt to locate persons of interest in the burglaries. Deputy Robin Compton, ISP Trooper Chance Humphrey, and Greene County Deputies later joined these officers.
Upon arrival, officers approached the house and attempted to contact the occupants. While doing so, officers observed stolen items from various burglaries in plain view on the property.
When no one would come to the door, Detective Barnett applied for a search warrant. While waiting for that process, two occupants exited the residence, and officers discovered more people inside.
One of the occupants, who had allegedly rapidly consumed heroin upon the police’s arrival, began to overdose. He was issued multiple doses of Narcan and transported via ambulance to IU Health Hospital in Bloomington.
Once the search warrant was signed and issued, officers executed it and continued their investigation. Through interviews and evidence collection, officers discovered most stolen items had already been sold or traded. However, they identified two residences where some of the items could be.
As officers searched the property and collected evidence, Sheriff Day and Trp. Humphrey traveled to the other two residences – one in Greene County and one in Lawrence County. At each location, the officers recovered stolen items such as chainsaws, weed eaters, tools, guns, and other items.
Abigail Hepner, 28, of Springville, was arrested in Lawrence County on three counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, theft, and assisting a criminal. She was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail.
Officers continue their investigation, and at least one more arrest is anticipated concerning multiple Lawrence County burglaries. In addition, arrests are expected for the burglaries in Greene County.
The recovered items have been, or are in the process of being, returned to the rightful owners.
Lawrence County detectives request that anyone with information on the burglaries contact Detective Andrea Barnett at 812-275-3316.
