Camper and children woke by robbery, man arrested

PALMYRA – Troopers arrested a Palmyra man on several felony charges following an investigation by Indiana State Police.  

On February 2, 2024, an individual residing in a camper parked at Buffalo Trace Park reported he had been robbed and intimidated by a man who had entered his camper while the victim and his children were asleep in the camper.  

When troopers arrived, they learned a man allegedly began banging on the camper door around 2:00 a.m. and then entered the camper while the victim and his children were sleeping. 

The troopers also learned the man allegedly then stepped outside the camper and began yelling for the victim to step outside.  The man also reportedly threatened to harm the victim and then stole items from the campsite before leaving.  

Ryan D. Hawkins

Detective Steven Peyton began investigating after the initial report.  As a result of his investigation, which included interviews and a variety of investigative techniques, Detective Peyton requested an arrest warrant for 41-year-old Ryan D. Hawkins of Palmyra.

On Monday, February 26, Troopers arrested Hawkins on charges of robbery, a Level 5 felony, criminal confinement, and theft, both Level 6 felonies, and charges of intimidation and criminal trespass, both Class A misdemeanors.

Hawkins is being held in the Harrison County Jail.Â