Peru Police Department

PPD Announces Training at Maconaquah Middle School on June 4th, 2026

Earlier this evening, we welcomed our two newest officers into our family.

Officer Tanner Ewing (39), was sworn in with his wife, Alexandria, by his side. Tanner was issued badge #129.

Officer Kobi Martindale (22), was sworn in with his fiancé, Carley, by his side. Kobi was issued badge #130.

Tanner and Kobi will finish out their pre-basic certification this week and will then start their FTO (field training) process prior to leaving for the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy later this year.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Ewing and Officer Martindale to the Peru Police Department!

Missing Child Safely Located in Miami County

Today, May 26, 2026, at approximately 12:45 pm, Members of the Indiana State Police Peru District, Indiana State Police Fort Wayne District, Miami County Sheriff's Office, Peru City Police Department, Logansport Police Department, Peru City Fire Department, Denver Volunteer Fire Department, Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Miami County EMA, Parkview EMS, Lutheran EMS, Miami County Department of Child Services, and several community members responded to the area of Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, Peru, IN for a report of a missing child.

After approximately a 2-hour search using an Indiana State Police Helicopter, several K9 units, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and several ground units, the child was safely located in a nearby field. The child was treated at the scene and released to the family.

The Indiana State Police, Miami County Sheriff's Office, and Peru Police Department would like to thank everyone who provided resources and assistance locating the child.

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UPDATE: The child has been located and is safe.

Update 1: Missing Child Safely Located in Miami County

Today, May 26, 2026, at approximately 12:45 pm, Members of the Indiana State Police Peru District, Indiana State Police Fort Wayne District, Miami County Sheriff's Office, Peru City Police Department, Logansport Police Department, Peru City Fire Department, Denver Volunteer Fire Department, Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Miami County EMA, Parkview EMS, Lutheran EMS, Miami County Department of Child Services, and several community members responded to the area of Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, Peru, IN for a report of a missing child.

After approximately a 2-hour search using an Indiana State Police Helicopter, several K9 units, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and several ground units, the child was safely located in a nearby field. The child was treated at the scene and released to the family.

The Indiana State Police, Miami County Sheriff's Office, and Peru Police Department would like to thank everyone who provided resources and assistance locating the child.

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Officers from the Indiana State Police, Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Peru City Police Department, and several other emergency agencies are currently at Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park searching for a missing child.

The child has been identified as 11-year-old Xandra Elaine Duncan, who is believed to have wandered off the property wearing tan shorts and a green Walt Disney shirt. Xandra has short blonde hair and was last seen near Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park in Peru, IN. If you see Xandra, please contact 9-1-1 immediately. We urge the public not to self-deploy, as multiple K9 units, unmanned aerial vehicles, and an ISP helicopter are already on scene.

Peru Police Department to increase patrols to target seatbelt enforcement

Peru, Indiana – Peru Police Department is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to urge Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a high-visibility enforcement effort focused on increasing seatbelt use.

Beginning May 11 through May 31, 2026, officers will work overtime to ensure drivers and passengers are using their seatbelts and children are properly secured. The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through ICJI’s Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP).

“Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Seatbelts save lives every day, and every trip should begin with making sure everyone is secured before hitting the road.”

Since 2021, Indiana has seen a steady decline in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts. Seatbelt usage among Hoosiers has also increased, reaching 94.1% in 2025 according to the Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted by Purdue University Center for Road Safety in partnership with ICJI. This rate is above the national average of 91.2% usage in 2024.

“Too often, we see tragedies that could have been prevented with one simple click of a seatbelt,” said Officer Jonathan Cruz. “Buckling up isn’t just the law. It’s a responsibility that helps ensure you make it home safely.”

Indiana law requires drivers and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat. Drivers can be cited for lack of seat belt use, but also for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it is used correctly and properly installed. Resources can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat. To schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.

CHIRP is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. For more information about ICJI’s traffic safety programs, visit www.in.gov/cji.

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Jonathan Cruz

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Happy “May the 4th” to all of the Star Wars fans out there! Enjoy your day!

This incident underscores a critical concern: imitation water guns can easily be mistaken for real weapons by both the public and law enforcement. Such confusion can lead to:

* Escalated police response, including the use of force under the belief of a real threat
* Increased risk of injury or fatal outcomes for individuals involved
* Public panic and fear, especially in crowded or public spaces

Even when used in a game, the presence of a realistic-looking weapon can create a life-threatening situation within seconds.

Equally concerning is the strain placed on emergency response systems. During this incident:

* Multiple officers were diverted to respond to what was believed to be an active shooter situation
* At least three other emergency calls experienced delayed response times

When law enforcement resources are tied up responding to non-legitimate threats, the safety of the broader community is compromised. Real emergencies—such as medical crises, accidents, or violent crimes—may not receive the immediate attention they require.

While “senior assassin” is often viewed as a harmless tradition among graduating students, this event demonstrates how quickly it can escalate into a dangerous and criminal situation. Conducting such activities in public spaces, especially with realistic-looking objects, creates unnecessary risk for participants, bystanders, and first responders.

Authorities urge students, parents, and school officials to reconsider participation in games involving imitation weapons and to prioritize safety and awareness.

Public safety depends on responsible decision-making. What may seem like a game can have real-world consequences—including criminal charges, potential harm, and delayed emergency response for others in need.

For the safety of the entire community, individuals are strongly encouraged to avoid activities that could be mistaken for genuine threats.

Stay safe, Peru!

Indiana student charged after ‘senior assassin’ prank involving water gun PORTAGE, Ind. — A Northwest Indiana high school student is facing a felony following a “senior assassin” game involving a water gun that appeared to look like a firearm. Adrian Williams…

Starting at 9am, all directions of US 24 and State Rd 19 (off of US 24) will be shut down from 9am-9:20 (max time) and again from 9:40-10:00am (max time) for repairs by Peru Utilties. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Over the course of the last two days, members of the Peru Police Department had the privilege of attending a presentation by internationally renowned speaker, Paul Butler.

Paul had over 27 years of law enforcement experience to share along with valuable lessons to put to use not only in your professional life, but your personal life as well.

Anyone interested in building a great culture at your workplace should check Paul out at paul-butler.com. We would also like to thank our friends at for helping make the last two days possible.