Man possibly linked to 12 area robberies

With 12 break-ins reported in the Heritage Lake area over the last two months, detectives with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department are trying to find how many of them are linked to one man.

Austin W. McFerron, 22, Coatesville, was booked in the Putnam County Jail on Nov. 2 for burglary, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of a syringe and possession of paraphernalia.

Austin McFerron

He was subsequently charged by the Putnam County prosecutor with two counts of Level 4 felony burglary and two counts of Level 6 felony theft.

However, investigators are not sure how deep it goes, as they’ve established links to several more of the area break-ins.

PCSD Det. Doug Nally told the Banner Graphic that McFerron came on the department’s radar in this case when he was arrested in Indianapolis on Oct. 25, along with 42-year-old Joseph Bishop, also of Coatesville.

The two men were attempting to pawn a pair of firearms and a bow stolen from a Heritage Lake home earlier the same day.

They subsequently led police on a pursuit for several blocks before being arrested.

Nally then began working with officers from the Indiana Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to investigate the case.

Detectives later obtained a search warrant for McFerron’s home in the Patriots Landing neighborhood. In that raid, PCSD deputies and ATF agents recovered items from several more of the robberies.

Through service of the warrant and other investigative tools, Nally has established a link between McFerron and most of the break-ins reported in the area in recent months.

The detective emphasized that more charges are possible, both for McFerron and others who may be involved in the case.

McFerron also has warrants issued for his arrest out of Marion County, one for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and another for the same charge, as well as possession of a syringe and fleeing from law enforcement.

Sheriff Scott Stockton praised Nally, fellow Detective Pat McFadden and other deputies for their efforts in combating rural crimes, saying he’s fielded positive comments from community members.

“I’m very pleased with the efforts Doug, Pat and the merit deputies are making in these rural crimes,” Stockton said.

With the investigation ongoing, Nally has asked that anyone with additional information in the case reach out to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department at 653-3211.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may ask for the tip line or choose the tip line option if the recording answers after hours.

Nally also emphasized that he will be in contact with victims of these crimes when the case allows.