LA PORTE COUNTY - The suspect involved in Friday morning's burglary and manhunt is now in custody. LaPorte County Sheriff's Department Captain Michael Kellems says the person was caught shortly before 9:30am Friday. Kellems says the incident unfolded just after midnight.
"About 12:40 early Friday morning we received a call of a interrupted burglary in the 7500 West block of County Road 900 South, which is just about two or three miles south and east of Westville, Kellems said. Our Deputies got on scene and found the homeowner had learned quickly that he had been in the back of his home and noticed that somebody was moving around outside one of his vehicles with a flashlight. He armed himself with a rifle, by the time he got outside, the suspect has made his way into their pole barn. this is directly behind his house."
Kellems says the resident caught up with the suspect, 26-year-old Charles Appleberry, while on his property.
"When he got inside the pole barn, he turned on the lights and confronted the suspect. They ended up getting into a physical altercation while they were inside the barn. The suspect actually produced a handgun. The homeowner was actually able to wrestle that handgun away from the suspect. And in an effort to try to hold him down at the same time trying to call 911, the suspect was able to get away."
Kellems said the Sheriff's Department started a man hunt right right way until another resident, who spotted the suspect called police. Sheriff's Deputy Rashaun Sinclair was in the area and saw Appleberry in a field near the 6600 S block of CR 800 W, which is south of US 6. Appleberry attempted to run but Deputy Sinclair tackled him and took him into custody.
Investigators are currently reviewing the case with the La Porte County Prosecutor's Office as they make a decision of what criminal charges will apply in this case. Once the exact charges are known, the investigation will continue. Kellems says police believe Appleberry is the person responsible for several other thefts from vehicles around the county in the last six months.
