At about 3 a.m. Thursday, Officer Alex Toth and Officer Justin Macky were on duty when they received information that two stolen Uhaul trucks were located in the 1100 block of Columbus Boulevard. Besides the Uhaul trucks, the suspects were alleged to be possessing a large amount of methamphetamine.
Both officers followed up on the information that they had received. After arriving in the described area, two Uhaul trucks were observed in the described location. As the investigation progressed, three suspects were identified at 1108 Columbus Boulevard. They were identified as Brian Petro, 38-years-old of Kokomo; Caroline Gibson, 22-years-old of Kokomo; and Gavin Thatcher, 24-years-old of Kokomo.
Uhaul employees subsequently advised that one of the trucks had been stolen, but a police report had not yet been made. The second truck was not due to be turned in until the following day. In addition to the Uhaul truck, officers also seized approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine and two handguns.
A one-month-old baby was also at the scene. Department of Child Services was contacted to assist with caring for the child.
Petro was arrested for Dealing in Methamphetamine a Level 2 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine a Level 3 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement a Level 6 Felony and Auto Theft a Level 6 Felony.
Thatcher was arrested for Dealing in Methamphetamine a Level 2 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine a Level 3 Felony and Auto Theft a Level 6 Felony.
Gibson was arrested for Dealing in Methamphetamine a Level 2 Felony and Possession of Methamphetamine a Level 3 Felony.
This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Officer Alex Toth at (765) 456-7600 Extension 8412 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the Tip411 app, or you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the “Kokomo PD” mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, then your tip, and send it to 847411.