Joshua T. Eyer

A Pierceton man was arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly attempting to break into a local bait store.

Officers from North Webster, Pierceton and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to 6:21 a.m. report of a potential burglary in progress at the Number One Bait and Tackle Store, located at the intersection of SR 13 and CR 350 North near Piercteon. Officers were advised that the alleged suspect vehicle had fled the business eastbound on CR 350 North and then turned southbound onto CR 850 East headed toward Jellystone Campground.

Pierceton Officer Matt Owens observed a vehicle matching the original description, just east of SR 13 in the middle of CR 200 North and subsequently initiated a felony traffic stop. The driver, identified as Joshua Todd Eyer, 28, Pierceton, was taken into custody without incident.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies and detectives discovered evidence at the scene of an attempted burglary to the business, as well as a stolen gasoline can that Eyer had reportedly thrown from his vehicle just prior to the traffic stop.

Eyer has been preliminarily charged with felony theft, along with attempted burglary of a business. He is currently being held in the Kosciusko County Jail with a $5,000 bond.

KCSD detectives stated that the incident is still under investigation.