Fraternity members foil thieves who stole more than $800

On Thursday, Phi Kappa Psi members were able to detain Matthew D. Parks, 18, when he and three other suspects attempted to steal more than $800 in cash from the fraternity.

IU Police Department responded to the robbery at 2:45 p.m. The members informed police that they were selling tickets to GLOWfest in front of their house. One of the suspects, Parks, reached his hand into the cash box and grabbed $870.

According to IUPD Lt. Craig Munroe, some of the brothers were able to catch up with Parks and retrieve the money. The fraternity members had Parks detained by the time of IUPD arrival.

Two other suspects, Hollis H. Ballard, 20, and Sabrina Pope, 22, fled the scene by car. Bloomington Police identified the car at Colonial Crest Apartments. The two suspects were arrested by IUPD and Bloomington Police.

According to Munroe, Parks and Ballard are both being charged with robbery, a class C felony, and battery, a class A misdemeanor.

IUPD has identified a fourth subject and is currently looking for him.

Pope is facing a charge of assisting a criminal, a class C felony, and driving while suspended. According to a press release issued by IUPD, the four subjects are not students and are residents of Valparaiso, Ind.

This incident is under investigation by the IUPD. If anyone believes they were a witness to this incident or has any information, contact IUPD at (812) 855-4111.

 — Vince Zito