Tis the season for robbers, thieves and burglars. HPD is asking everyone to exercise a little extra due diligence in safeguarding your property and looking out for your protection.
This morning at 6:40 AM, HPD was dispatched to Bucky Burton Dr. in reference to a vehicle that had just been stolen. When officers arrived, they located the stolen vehicle stuck in the front yard next to the victim’s residence. According to the victim, he started his vehicle to allow it to warm up and came back outside to find a male in the driver seat stealing his vehicle. The male subject, later identified as Stephen Wayne Simon Jr. (31), fled the scene on foot after getting the stolen vehicle stuck in the front yard of the house next door to the victim’s residence.
HPD officers were able to locate Mr. Simon a short time later at 258 Bucky Burton Drive where he was taken into custody without incident. After being informed of his Miranda Rights, Mr. Simon was questioned about this morning's incident along with other thefts that had recently occurred in the area. The investigation revealed that Mr. Simon was responsible for breaking into three (3) vehicles, two (2) garages and stealing one (1) motor vehicle. Mr. Simon also provided officers with a verbal confession to these crimes.
Mr. Simon was charged with the following;
- Theft By Unlawful Taking over $10,000 (Motor Vehicle)
- Theft By Unlawful Taking from Building over $500 (Building)
- Theft By Unlawful Taking under $500 (Contents from a vehicle)
- Burglary 3rd Degree (x2)
- Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
We all understand the need and the desire to get into a warm car on a bitterly cold day, and for those who might think it's a good idea to heat up their car, then leave it running- with keys in the ignition- even if it's right outside your home; think again. This is providing a potential thief an open invitation to drive away with your vehicle. Don’t allow yourself to be an easy target and become a victim.
Great job to the officers and detectives for quickly locating the individual responsible for these crimes, recovering the stolen property and returning the property to the rightful owners.
Stephen Wayne Simon Jr. (31)
(photo courtesy of Bullitt County Detention Center)