INDIANAPOLIS- On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officer Robert Johnson from the Indiana State Capitol Police was patrolling near the state capitol building when he recognized a woman believed to be the suspect in a vandalism case on February 2nd in the Washington Street Parking Garage. Based on the photos Officer Johnson had received, he believed the female to be the suspect and approached her. During his encounter with her, Officer Johnson identified her as 34-year-old Denise Honorio of Indianapolis and developed probable cause to detain her; she was then transported to the Indiana State Police Post in Indianapolis for further investigation.
Indiana State Police Detectives interviewed Honorio and determined she was the same person in the photographs obtained from one of the damaged vehicles on February 2nd. They worked closely with the Marion County Prosecutor, and because it was determined the dollar amount of the vandalism met the felony threshold, she was outright arrested based upon probable cause.
While taking an inventory of her belongings to transport her to jail, an Indiana driver’s license that belonged to someone else was located in her pocket. State Police Detectives reached out to the owner of the driver’s license. They learned she was the victim of a forcible robbery Friday, February 2nd, around 4:10 p.m. while walking along Capital Avenue in Indianapolis. The IU Health Police Department in Indianapolis was investigating that incident. Working closely with IUPD, it was determined that ISP would handle the robbery investigation and vandalism. Detectives believe the victim was assaulted and injured by Honorio before stealing her purse.Â
Indiana State Police Captain Bob Burke said. “I would like to commend Officer Johnson for his actions yesterday and dedication to his patrol efforts. His alertness and recognition of this suspect not only helped find the person we believe responsible for the vandalism but also connected other serious crimes linked to this same suspect and brought justice to the victims. This investigation is just one example of incredible collaboration by several central Indiana police agencies, and we are thankful for those partnerships.”
The Indiana State Police would like to thank the community for the countless tips we received in this case. Working directly with our community members undoubtedly increases safety for everyone.
Honorio faces the preliminary charges of:
- Robbery – Level 3 Felony
- Battery with Moderate Injury – Level 6 Felony
- Vandalism over $50,000 – Level 6 Felony
This investigation is ongoing; the arrest was based on probable cause of a crime. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will determine actual charges. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
