Man accused of stealing brass urns from Richmond cemetery found hiding in attic

RICHMOND, Ind. — Richmond police have arrested a man accused of stealing brass urns from a local cemetery.

A Wayne County sheriff’s deputy was investigating a string of urn thefts on Tuesday and found a truck containing “stolen property” at a home on S. 11th Street in Richmond. Deputies soon identified Joshua D. Farmer as a suspect.

Police said Farmer had several active felony warrants in Indiana and was believed to be inside the home. Deputies contacted the homeowner, who said they were “unsure” whether Farmer was inside or not.

After a standoff that lasted several hours, Richmond SWAT entered the home and found Farmer hiding inside the attic. Officials said he was then taken into custody without further incident.

Medic crews were then called to the scene to evaluate Farmer, who was taken by local police to Reid Health for further treatment. After being released from the hospital, Farmer was booked into the Wayne County Jail.

In addition to his active warrants, Richmond Police said Farmer also faces a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement as a result of Tuesday’s incident. He is now being held on a no-bond warrant.

Online court records show Farmer had at least one active felony warrant in Wayne County at the time of his arrest. He was reportedly charged in August 2021 with unlawful possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony, and false informing, a class B misdemeanor.

The most recent case against Farmer was investigated by officials with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, who were assisted at the scene by the Richmond Police Department, Richmond Fire Department and Wayne County Dispatch. No other information was immediately provided.