INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Capitol Police have made an arrest in a Feb. 2 vandalism case in the Washington Street Parking Garage in Indianapolis in which more than 50 cars were damaged with spray paint.
At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Officer Robert Johnson from the Indiana State Capitol Police was patrolling near the state Capitol building when he recognized a woman believed to be the suspect in the vandalism case.
Based on the photos Johnson had received, he believed the female to be the suspect and approached her. During his encounter with her, Johsnon identified her as 34-year-old Denise Honorio of Indianapolis, and developed probable cause to detain her, state police said. She was then transported to the Indiana State Police Post in Indianapolis for further investigation.
Indiana State Police detectives interviewed Honorio and determined she was the same person in the photographs obtained from one of the damaged vehicles Feb. 2nd. They worked closely with the Marion County prosecutor and because it was determined the dollar amount of the vandalism met the felony threshold, she was was arrested based upon probable cause.
While taking an inventory of her belongings to transport her to jail, an Indiana driver’s license was located in her pocket that belonged to someone else, state police said.
State Police detectives reached out to the owner of the driver’s license and learned she was the victim of a forcible robbery Feb. 2nd around 4:10 p.m. while walking along Capital Avenue in Indianapolis. That incident was being investigated by the IU Health Police Department in Indianapolis. Working closely with IUPD, it was determined that ISP would handle the robbery investigation along with the vandalism. Detectives believe the victim was assaulted and injured by Honorio before stealing her purse, state police said.
Indiana State Police Captain Bob Burke said. “I would like to commend Officer Johnson for his actions yesterday and dedication to his patrol efforts. His alertness and recognition of this suspect not only helped find the person we believe responsible for the vandalism, but also to connect other serious crimes linked to this same suspect and bring justice to the victims. This investigation is just one example of incredible collaboration by several central Indiana police agencies and we are thankful for those partnerships.”
The Indiana State Police would like to thank the community for the countless tips we received in this case, working directly with our community members undoubtedly increases safety for everyone.
Honorio faces the preliminary charges of:
- Robbery – Level 3 Felony
- Battery with Moderate Injury – Level 6 Felony
- Vandalism over $50,000 – Level 6 Felony
