After an extensive investigation, Detectives from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post have located both suspects involved in a burglary that occurred on February 9, 2021, in Benton County.
Yesterday morning, Detectives received information that Caleb Oppelt was at a residence in Frankfort, IN. Shortly after detectives arrived, Oppelt fled on foot from the back of the residence. Trooper McQueary utilized K-9 Jordy, who led troopers to Oppelt's location. Oppelt was safely taken into custody and transported to Benton County Jail. Oppelt had an active warrant for his arrest for the following charges:
1. Two Counts of Burglary - Level 1 Felony
2. Two Counts of Conspiracy to Commit Burglary - Level 1 Felony
3. Two Counts Aggravated Battery - Level 3 Felony
Paija Bennett was located in Minnesota and extradited to Benton County. Bennett is currently being held in Benton County Jail and will face the following charge:
1. Two Counts of Burglary - Level 1 Felony
Detectives were assisted on scene by Troopers from the Lafayette Post, Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section (DES), Indiana State Police Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Air Wing Division.
Detectives would like to thank the public for their assistance throughout the investigation.
*All charges listed are merely accusations at this point. All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
*The original press release is attached below*
Indiana State Police Detectives Request the Public's Assistance in Locating Burglary Suspects
Benton County – Detectives from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post are seeking the public’s assistance locating two suspects from a burglary that took place in Fowler, IN on February 9, 2021. Detectives have identified two suspects, and their names are Caleb Oppelt and Paija Bennett.
Caleb Oppelt is a 21-year-old white male who is 6'2" and approximately 175 pounds with strawberry blonde hair and hazel eyes.
Oppelt has an active warrant for his arrest out of Benton County for:
1. Two Counts of Burglary - Level 1 Felony
2. Two Counts of Conspiracy to Commit Burglary - Level 1 Felony
3. Two Counts Aggravated Battery - Level 3 Felony
Paija Bennett (AKA "PJ") is a 23-year-old black male who is 5'4" approximately 140 pounds with Brown hair and Brown Eyes.
Bennett has an active warrant for his arrest out of Benton County for:
1.Two Counts of Burglary - Level 1 Felony
Detectives believe that both suspects have fled the state and should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see either one of these suspects, do not approach them and dial 9-1-1. If anyone has information about the location of Caleb Oppelt and Paija Bennett, we request that they contact Detective Edwards or Detective Rector by calling the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post at 765-567-2125.
*The original press release is attached below*
Indiana State Police Investigate an Early Morning Shooting
Benton County - This morning just after 12:00 a.m., Benton County Sheriff’s Department and Fowler Police Department responded to a shots fired call at 401 S Park Ave. Fowler, IN. When officers arrived on scene, they located two subjects that had been injured from an apparent gunshot. Officers on scene provided medical aid until Benton County EMS arrived. Both subjects were transported by EMS to a Lafayette area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Benton County Sheriff’s Department requested the Indiana State Police to handle the investigation. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators from the Lafayette Post were called to the scene.
This investigation is being led by State Police Detective Josh Edwards. Detective Edwards was assisted on scene by troopers from the Lafayette Post, Indiana State Police CSI, Benton County Sheriffs Department, Fowler Police Department, and Benton County EMS.
Indiana State Police Detectives are continuing to follow leads in this investigation. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Detective Edwards or Detective Rector by calling the Lafayette Post at 765-567-2125.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.