Four men that investigators describe as Colombian nationals are facing charges after Fishers police say a crew sliced through a bedroom wall and walked away with about $365,000 during a July 21 home break-in. Detectives say the group targeted a house on the city’s northeast side, carving out an opening into a master bedroom, then taking roughly $300,000 in cash along with nearly $65,000 in jewelry and high-end bags. Officers have four suspects in custody and believe as many as three additional people may have been involved.
Two of the men, identified as David Torres Martinez and Sebastian Rodriguez Menjura, were stopped just over the Ohio state line and booked into Montgomery County, Ohio, while two others were arrested in eastern Indiana and brought back to Hamilton County. Major Ryan Jones of the Fishers Police Department told WIBC 93.1 FM, “If people are going to come into Fishers and commit crimes like this, we’re going to use every tool available and hold them accountable.” All four men are being held without bond while the investigation moves forward.
How investigators say the heist unfolded
Court records state the burglary took place July 21 at a home on Eller Creek Drive while the residents, who run a Hamilton County jewelry store, were out of town. According to YouAreCurrent, the suspects cut through the master bedroom wall, focused their search on that single room, and stole cash, a Rolex and other jewelry, along with designer purses. A probable cause affidavit says one suspect admitted watching the home and its owners for about two weeks before the break-in.
Officials point to wider burglary-tourism concerns
Police say the case lands at a time when agencies across the country are confronting what some call “burglary tourism,” where crews of South American nationals travel to hit upscale neighborhoods. In Southern California, authorities recently announced arrests of suspected Colombian burglars in a series of home break-ins, an example that, according to The Los Angeles Times, has officials stressing the need for tight coordination across city and state lines.
Charges and next steps
All four men are charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief, and court filings put the total loss at roughly $365,000, about $300,000 in cash and nearly $65,000 in jewelry and luxury goods, according to YouAreCurrent. One charging document sets bail at $500,000 for a defendant listed as Sebastian Martinez. Investigators say they found items bearing the homeowners’ names in at least one of the vehicles linked to the suspects. Prosecutors are now reviewing the evidence while detectives continue working with agencies in Indiana and Ohio to identify any remaining members of the crew.
What police are asking
Fishers police say traffic-camera data helped them trace at least two vehicles believed to be connected to the burglary, and they are asking anyone who might have information to call the department’s tip line. Authorities say they are still coordinating with Ohio State Police and neighboring county agencies as they search for additional suspects, according to WIBC 93.1 FM.
