On June 5, 2012 Carmel police officers were conducting surveillance on Honda Elements parked in the area of 11611 N. Meridian Street. Prior to this surveillance, there had been approximately twelve thefts of catalytic converters; eleven of which had been from Honda Elements. Most of these thefts occurred along the Meridian Street corridor.
At approximately 10:20 am officers observed a red 2000 Buick LeSabre traveling northbound on Pennsylvania Avenue that turned into the parking lot of 11611 N. Meridian Street. The Buick LeSabre appeared to be the same suspect vehicle identified in a recent catalytic converter theft at the Carmel High School Stadium lot. The two occupants exited the vehicle and were acting very suspicious. Officers approached the subjects and began an investigation.
Detectives from Carmel and Fishers Police Departments arrived and assisted in the investigation. The two suspects admitted to several thefts of catalytic converters from Carmel and Fishers. Robert J. Luedtke, 31 year old male from Noblesville and Ashley J. Bell, 23 year old female from Sheridan were transported to the Hamilton County Jail and booked on the following charges:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of a narcotic drug
- Possession of a syringe
- Theft