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On 6/24/2024 at approximately 10:35 PM, the West Lafayette Police Department received a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress in the 100-block of Littleton St. The caller reported that he’d come home to find an unknown male inside his apartment and allegedly taking items.
The male suspect, described as a white male in his fifties with a goatee and wearing a white shirt and black pants, then attempted to leave the apartment. The caller reportedly tried to stop the man and a scuffle ensued. The suspect allegedly battered the caller and fled on foot. The caller, however, was not injured and was able to provide WLPD Dispatchers with the suspect’s description and last known direction of travel.
A responding WLPD officer observed the suspect as he was being followed by the caller and was able to stop and detain the suspect without further incident. The property that was reportedly stolen during this incident was also recovered.
Steven R. Watkins, 53, of West Lafayette, IN was arrested and faces preliminary charges of Burglary, Robbery, Residential Entry, Theft, Battery, Trespassing, and Criminal Mischief. The fact that the defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This is an active investigation and other property has been recovered that investigators believe might also be stolen but has yet to have been reported. If you have any information regarding this incident or believe you might have been the victim of a recent theft in West Lafayette, you are encouraged to contact the West Lafayette Police Department at (765) 775-5200.
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