Three arrested in damage to Merom water tower

Police have arrested three people they believe shot holes in the Merom water tower on New Year’s Day.

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department arrested Timothy J. Porras, 19, his father, Joseph S. Porras, 47, and Jeremiah E. Mahan, 20, all of Merom. They are all facing allegations of criminal recklessness with a firearm, a level 6 felony. Timothy Porras and Mahan are facing an additional charge of criminal mischief, a class-A misdemeanor, said Clark Cottom, Sullivan County sheriff. 

“This is a very serious incident,” Cottom said, noting that the shots were fired within the town of Merom, endangering the public. The incident also disrupted water service, threatened contamination of the water supply and endangered water supplies for firefighting services.

The Merom municipal water utility allowed investigators to measure the size of the holes in the tower, Cottom said. Police also found shell casings in the tower and were told the trio was seen firing weapons when the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2015, he said.

The bullet holes in the water tower, fired by a handgun and a rifle, did several thousands of dollars worth of damage, the sheriff said. The incident also damaged a 200-year-old, historic tree on the Merom bluff, Cottom added. 

Damage to the tower showed several shots were fired at the tall structure, a landmark in the Sullivan County community known for its picturesque bluff overlooking the Wabash River. 

Timothy and Joseph Porras were arrested Tuesday and were being held in the Sullivan County jail. Mahan was arrested on an earlier date and posted bond for his release, Cottom said.

Timothy Porras was being held on $12,000 bond with no 10 percent allowed. His father, Joseph, was being held on $8,000 bond with 10 percent allowed. Mahan had been held on $12,000 bond with 10 percent allowed.