At approximately 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Kokomo Police Department recovered the stolen white 2002 Buick LeSabre (KPD-18-07329). The vehicle unoccupied when it was located. Anyone with information on the Buick LeSabre that was left in the area of East Taylor and Longview Streets is asked to contact the Kokomo Police Department.
At about 3:43 a.m. Sunday, officers of the Kokomo Police Department were dispatched to the 400 block of West Monroe Street for the report of gunshots fired in the area. Upon arrival, a person was found lying in the street suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. This person was subsequently identified as Keith A. Jewell, 50 years-old of Kokomo. Jewell was determined to be deceased at the scene. A witness stated that a possible suspect was observed fleeing the scene on foot, westbound on Monroe Street. The suspect was only described as wearing a dark color hooded sweatshirt. An autopsy conducted by the Howard County Coroner Monday revealed Jewell died from a single gunshot wound.
As this investigation was beginning, at about 4 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of North Lindsay for the report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival at this location, officers located 55 year old Jon S. Whitehead of Kokomo, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to his face. Whitehead was transported by ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital Kokomo where he was flown by helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis for treatment. Whitehead is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Whitehead advised that he had been sitting in a 2002 Buick Le Sabre, white in color with Indiana License Plate #606BWH while it was parked in the 1100 block of North Lindsay after just dropping off a passenger. Just prior to police being called, he stated that his car door was opened by the suspect who was described as an unknown black male, light complexion, unknown age, about 5’7” to 5’8” tall, about 170 lbs. and wearing a dark color hooded sweatshirt and possibly a sock hat. The suspect was armed with a handgun, and he ordered Whitehead to exit the car and get on the ground. As Whitehead exited the car, the suspect fired the handgun and wounded Whitehead. Whitehead ran to a nearby residence for help as the suspect stole the Buick and fled the scene.
Kokomo Police Department detectives were called in to assist with both of these cases. Interviews and scene investigation are ongoing. It is currently unknown if these two shootings are related.
This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Sergeant Richard Benzinger at (765)456-7324 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with your anonymous tip.