An Indiana State Police detective solved a series of recent residential entries in the Spencer County area which led to the arrest of a Dale, IN man.
David N. Hopper, 36, 5774 State Road 62, Dale, IN, was arrested for six counts of burglary and illegal entry.
Hopper was charged with – Burglary of a Dwelling (2 Counts), Level 4 Felony and Residential Entry (4 Counts), Level 6 Felony.
On September 3, Detective Troy Fischer was contacted by a resident on County Road 950 North in Evanston. The resident informed Detective Fischer that he had just encountered David N. Hopper, 36, Dale, inside his kitchen. The resident knew Hopper, who had informed him that he was actually looking for a neighbor. The resident gave Hopper directions; however, called the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department and Detective Fischer to inform them of the situation.
On September 4, Detective Fischer was informed of a similar occurrence on County Road 1350 North, near Lamar, with the same method of operation and a description of the vehicle and license plate that both matched those belonging to Hopper. In this occurrence, the suspect had already gained entry into the garage and was attempting to enter the residence through a locked door. After the teenager inside the residence asked who was there, he looked out the window to see the suspect vehicle, a tan Toyota Camry, speeding out of the driveway.
After presenting the information to the Spencer County Prosecutor’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued on Friday, September 5, for Hopper. He was taken into custody without incident and was lodged in the Spencer County Jail.
Detective Fischer continued his investigation through the weekend, determining on Sunday, September 7, that there were at least four other residences throughout Spencer County that were entered by Hopper. Fischer determined that Hopper entered the residences each time in an attempt to steal hydrocodone pills. Through the additional information obtained by Detective Fischer, four counts of Residential Entry and two counts of Burglary were filed today.
Hopper was the suspect in a residential entry case at a residence in Kyana in Dubois County on June 15, in which he had entered the home with the intent to steal hydrocodone, and had returned to the residence to apologize as police were on scene to take the report. Hopper was additionally suspected of residential entry in the Winslow area in Pike County.
The case remains under investigation by Detective Fischer. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Indiana State Police at the Jasper Post by calling 1-812-482-1441.
