Police: Alert neighbor stymies theft

LAKE VILLAGE, Ind. (WLFI) - According to the Newton County Sheriff's office, Gilbert Read's business has been the site of several auto part thefts over the past two weeks.

Without the help of alert neighbor Robert Churchill, Read may have had to add another theft to that string.

Police said Churchill observed a white cargo-type van parked on the east side of Read's property, near abandoned railroad tracks. The Sheriff's Office said Churchill called them to report the vehicle and also called Read.

When Read heard about the van, police said he traveled to his business and parked his own vehicle in a way that blocked the driveway, preventing the van from leaving.

Sheriff's deputies said that when they arrived on the scene shortly after receiving the call, they found an estimated $600 worth of auto parts in the vehicle, including transmissions, rotors, bumpers and starters.

Two people were arrested on the scene, 23-year-old William A. Simmons III and his mother, 43-year-old Pamela J. Simmons. Both are residents of Shelby, Indiana. They have both been charged for Class D Felony Theft.

The Simmons were transported to the Newton County Jail, where they each posted a $2500 bond and were released pending a court appearance.