CLEAR LAKE, IN - On 08/14/2021 just at 8:00 am, Steuben County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Clear Lake Storage Garages located in the 7700 block of East SR 120 in Steuben County's rural Clear Lake Township on a report of several of the garage overhead doors being damaged. During the course of the initial investigation by responding deputies, it was discovered that several of the units had been burglarized during the overnight hours. Several vehicles and numerous firearms had been stolen along with power tools and other items.

Sheriff's detectives were then called to the scene to assist in the investigation. Through investigative efforts, one of the stolen vehicles, a Chevy Tahoe was able to be tracked electronically and found to be in the Hillsdale County, Michigan area. Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office along with the Michigan State Police were contacted for assistance.

A short time later, Michigan State Police happened upon one of the other stolen vehicles, a Ford Mustang in the area of Ridge Rd and West Reading Rd while attempting to locate the stolen Chevy Tahoe. A vehicle chase ensued and the driver of the stolen Ford Mustang was ultimately captured in Hillsdale County. He was identified as 21 year old Ryan J. Damron of Hudson, IN. Damron was taken into custody and booked into the Hillsdale County Jail on charges of fleeing and eluding police as well as possession of stolen property.

Michigan police were also able to locate the stolen Chevy Tahoe at a residence in the 11000 block of Hudson Rd in Pittsford, MI. Two additional suspects were taken into custody on charges of possession of stolen property and booked in the Hillsdale County Jail. They were identified as 32 year old Devin K. Hill, homeless and 25 year old Abigail L. Scholfield of Hillsdale, MI.

As a result of the initial investigation, all stolen vehicles were recovered in both Steuben and Hillsdale Counties except one, and 26 stolen firearms were recovered along with several other stolen items taken from the storage garages.

The investigation is ongoing by the Sheriff's Office and additional charges are being sought in Steuben County in connection with the original incident. Additional suspects are also being investigated in connection with the original incident.

Assisting the Sheriff's Office were the Indiana State Police, Michigan State Police, Hillsdale County (MI) Sheriff's Office, and the Hillsdale (MI) City Police.

**Any criminal charge is merely an accusation. The Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.**