Bad Info Leaves Burglars Running From Home

By Mike Perleberg (Left to right) Ryan M. Allen, Benjamin K. Ihle-Cole, and Ashley N. Stitzel. Photos by Dearborn County Sheriff's Department. (Dearborn County, Ind.) - Four Ohio residents are accused of burglarizing a home in northern Dearborn County when they mistakenly believed the residents were out of town. A resident called 911 on Wednesday, August 23 to report a burglary in progress at her home on Jackson Ridge Road. The female caller stated that she saw three males in the home, according to a court affidavit. The intruders fled from the home, but sheriff’s deputies caught up with them not too far from the scene on Salt Fork Road at State Line Road. A handgun and holster stolen from the home were recovered in the vehicle. The handgun and holster were confirmed to be taken from the residence. Arrested were 18-year-old Ryan M. Allen of Cincinnati, 21-year-old Benjamin K. Ihle-Cole of Harrison, and 20-year-old Ashley N. Stitzel of Harrison. They are each charged with Burglary (level 4 felony), Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (level 4 felony), and Theft (class A misdemeanor). Also arrested was a 17-year-old juvenile. Each of the three adults admitted to their roles in the burglary during questioning. Allen told police that the 17-year-old friend claimed to receive information that the target home’s residents were out of town, according to investigators. Stitzel allegedly told investigators that she was told by Allen that there was a large amount of cash, guns, televisions, and jewelry in the home. Believing she would be compensated with cash and/or methamphetamine for driving the crew to the home, she recruited her boyfriend, Ihle-Cole, to drive.