INDIANAPOLIS — An accused thief is behind bars after being charged with a series of thefts in and around the north side of Indianapolis.
Officials said that 45-year-old Elliot Harmon is accused of:
- Stealing tools at a Lowe’s on Shadeland,
- Stealing heaters at a second Lowe’s on Rural
- Stealing video game systems and gift sets at a Meijer on Keystone
- Stealing shopping carts full of boxes at a Dollar Tree on 38th street.
Prosecutors claim the same man seen in surveillance pictures committed numerous crimes at various stores over the last several months.
In addition to being charged with six crimes, Harmon is also suspected of additional thefts at a Target on Keystone, a liquor store on 71st Street and a TJ Maxx on 82nd Street.
According to jail logs, the suspect’s arrest this week marks the 34th time he’s been booked into jail in Marion County in the last 20 years.
While that number is certainly frustrating to those in law enforcement, IMPD said they remain committed to holding repeat offenders accountable for their crimes.
“He’s been a drain on our criminal justice system and we’re happy he’s off the streets of Indianapolis today,” said IMPD Capt. Shane Foley.
Affidavits claim employees at several of the stores told police they recognized Harmon because he frequently targeted the same businesses repeatedly, sometimes just days apart.
“It’s been a frustration for them and a frustration for our officers,” said Foley.
Adding to the frustration, court records show Harmon was on probation after being convicted of numerous prior theft cases during the latest series of crimes.
“In one situation, an officer was injured and off work for longer than he was in jail,” said Foley.
When officers located Harmon at an apartment complex on Thursday, he allegedly tried to run away and hide, but surrendered with the help of a police K-9.
Officers with the North District Violence Reduction Team along with K-9 Kuvo arrested Harmon in the 3600 block of Baltimore Avenue. Harmon had six felony warrants for his arrest for corrupt business influence, theft, possession of a narcotic drug and resisting law enforcement.
IMPD said targeting repeat offenders like Harmon is a key part of the department’s crime reduction strategy.
“We remain dedicated to finding people who are committing serial offenses, who are a drain on our community, and today this individual is off the street because of that dedication,” said Foley.
Harmon is temporarily being held without bond pending his initial hearing, after which his bond will be set.
