Muncie, IN - Swat Team Muncie Police Car Stolen From Officer's Home

MPD investigating theft of police car

MUNCIE — The Thanksgiving Day theft of a Muncie police car parked at an officer’s home remained under investigation Tuesday, with authorities awaiting more evidence before making an arrest.

The marked uniform patrol car assigned to patrol officer Chris Kesler, a member of Muncie Police SWAT, and some gear taken from the car, were recovered of the theft, just a couple of blocks from Kesler’s home in the 2500 block of East 27th Street.

Police detective Brad Wiemer said Tuesday police were still not sure how a suspect got into the locked car. The suspect found an extra key inside to drive the car around the block. The car was recovered at 26th Street and Cherokee Road in the Indian Village neighborhood.

“A neighbor saw the car there and called it in,” Wiemer said.

Police swarmed the neighborhood after the neighbor reported someone was unloading police equipment from the vehicle.

Deputy Police Chief Roc Barrett emphasized that no weapons were in the vehicle.

The stolen gear included a helmet, vest and other equipment used by SWAT officers.
Kesler reportedly joined the search and found a subject running between houses in the neighborhood. Kesler declined to comment Tuesday about the incident.

That subject, Jamie L. Gruwell, 21, 13 South Dr., was taken into custody for questioning and later was charged with public intoxication. Gruwell told police he had been drinking at the nearby Bypass Bar, according to a probable cause affidavit, and Kesler found him smelling of alcohol.

Wiemer said a second subject with Gruwell was questioned, and police were awaiting forensic evidence such as fingerprints and DNA before making an arrest.

Gruwell was only identified as a person of interest by police after his initial arrest.

Police Lt. Steve Cox, SWAT commander, said all team members had take-home use of their vehicles, reiterating that weapons are always taken out of vehicles parked at homes.

Barrett could not recall the last time a Muncie police car was stolen.

“I don’t believe we were the target,” said Barrett, saying there also had been a truck break-in in the neighborhood that night.

Suspect Gruwell has been convicted of burglary (in 2006), trespass and possession of marijuana (both in 2007) and driving while intoxicated and driving while suspended (both in 2007 and again last month).
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