Sunman business targeted again-Man jailed on felony charges, more warrants pending from other states

Last Thursday, August 15 Virgil S. Riley, 44, of Cincinnati, OH, found himself in The Ripley County Jail booked on several criminal charges.

According to court paperwork, Riley has been now formally charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Narcotic, Possession of Syringe and Resisting Law Enforcement . He is also wanted on warrants from other states.

Indiana State Trooper James Herbert was on patrol in Decatur County when he received a call from Ripley County Communications saying a male was attempting to break into On Target in Sunman. Knowing the business had several burglaries over the past year, Trooper Taylor Ranshaw also responded to the call.

At about 5:33 a.m. the troopers arrived and talked with a key holder who was already there. Officers then saw Riley on camera and began checking the place out. After further review of the security camera, they said Riley moved a Polaris 1000 worth about $24,000. Apparently, the Polaris was hotwired with Riley seen on camera with a set of bolt cutters.

The officers continued their investigation when an unidentified male drove up asking if they were looking for someone. He told them a man wearing a black hoodie and a bag was walking near the intersection of Rosfeld Rd. and St. Mary’s Rd.

hen the troopers went to that general area, they saw someone in black hunkered down in the middle of one of the rows of round bales in a field. There was a black bag on the ground near the man’s feet. At that point Riley ran and police began a foot pursuit.

They were able to get the suspect and the black bag which contained multiple tools, wire cutters and screw drivers. There was also a metal tin in the bag that contained a hypodermic syringe and bottle cap of an unknown substance.

Prosecutor Ric Hertel reviewed the information for formal charges on Friday, August 16, with Riley being held in The Ripley County Jail.

Editor’s Note: It is important to note that all suspects are presumed innocent until they are found guilty in a court of law.