Peru couple arrested for firing guns in reported burglary incident

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 9:04 AM

By Staff report

Officers from the Indiana State Police, Miami County Sheriff's Office, and Peru City Police Department responded Last Monday morning to a report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Peru.

Additional reports indicated that gunshots had been fired inside the home.

According to Indiana State Police, the preliminary investigation revealed that Michael A. Marr, 30, and Halie M. Thomas, 26, both residents of Peru, had discharged a firearm inside the home, believing there were intruders present.

Further investigation revealed that no individuals other than two children were inside the residence at the time of the incident. Multiple rounds were found to have struck nearby unoccupied buildings. No injuries were reported.

Marr and Thomas were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Miami County Jail. Both are charged with criminal recklessness with a firearm- Level 5 felony; neglect of a dependent (2 counts) - Level 6 felony; and criminal mischief - Class A misdemeanor.

This investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released as of this report.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, the Miami County Sheriff's Office, the Peru Police Department, and the Miami County Department of Child Services.