Indiana Man Sentenced to 65 Months for Possessing Homemade Firebombs and Impersonating Homeland Security Officer

Joshua W. Stearman, a 42-year-old resident of Anderson, Indiana, has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2025, a federal jury convicted Stearman of unlawfully possessing incendiary bombs and falsely impersonating a Homeland Security officer.

The incident that led to Stearman’s conviction occurred on December 12, 2023, when Ingalls Police responded to a suspicious person report near a home that had previously been targeted by vandalism and arson. A witness spotted Stearman approaching the house carrying an unknown object before fleeing to a red Toyota RAV4 when security lights were activated. Officers quickly located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, Stearman presented a fake government ID, claiming to be a Homeland Security officer returning from a mission. He was also wearing black gloves with duct tape wrapped around his wrists. Upon taking him into custody, officers discovered four bottles filled with gasoline, each containing cloth wicks and wood pieces, as well as a lighter in the car.

Experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) later confirmed that the bottles were incendiary bombs. A forensic chemist testified that the liquid inside each bottle was gasoline, and a destructive device examiner explained that the devices were designed to start and spread fire upon impact. Possessing such devices is a federal crime under laws regulating destructive devices.

According to U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler, “This defendant not only put lives at risk by bringing homemade firebombs into a residential neighborhood but also attempted to evade detection by impersonating a Homeland Security officer. Thanks to the swift actions of local law enforcement and the expert analysis of our federal partners, this dangerous individual was stopped before he could carry out a potentially deadly attack.”

The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Ingalls Police Department, with valuable assistance provided by the Lapel Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence. U.S. Attorney Wheeler expressed gratitude to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who prosecuted the case.

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Act Fast: How to Save a Child’s Life in a Hot Car 🌡️👶

A child’s body temperature can rise 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. If you suspects a child is in danger due to being left in a hot car, don’t hesitate to take action – it could be the difference between life and death. 🌡️👶

It’s worth noting that Good Samaritan laws, which protect individuals who intervene in emergency situations, vary from state to state. If you’re unsure about what to do, err on the side of caution and prioritize the child’s safety.

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Boosting Back to School Safety: Essential Tips for a Secure Academic Year

📚🚌 Back to School Safety Reminder! 🚒🍎

As the new school year kicks off, Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory wants to wish students, parents, and teachers a safe and successful year ahead! To help ensure a smooth and secure transition back to school, we’ve put together some essential safety tips to keep in mind.

Home & Fire Safety
To prevent accidents and ensure your home is a safe haven, remember to:
✅ Test your smoke alarms monthly to guarantee they’re working properly
✅ Practice a family fire escape plan to prepare for any unexpected emergencies
✅ Keep emergency numbers handy, such as the fire department’s phone number, in case of an emergency

Bus & Road Safety
When it comes to traveling to and from school, remember to:
✅ Always stop for school buses when their stop arms are out, as this is a critical safety measure
✅ Obey school zone speed limits to prevent accidents and protect pedestrians
✅ Watch for crossing guards and students at crosswalks, and be prepared to yield to them

Heat Awareness
With the summer heat still prevalent, it’s crucial to:
✅ Keep kids hydrated by encouraging them to drink plenty of water throughout the day
✅ Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches
✅ Ensure they have access to shade or air conditioning if they’ll be outside for extended periods

By following these simple yet vital safety tips, we can all work together to create a safe and healthy environment for our children to thrive in. 🌞

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Back to School Bus Stop Safety Reminders 🚏

As you’re getting your kids ready to head back to school, make sure to review these essential bus stop safety reminders with them! 🚏✅

[Image: A visual reminder of bus stop safety]

Take a moment to go over these crucial tips with your children to ensure they have a safe and successful school year. By doing so, you’ll be helping them develop good habits and a strong sense of awareness when it comes to bus stop safety. 🚸👍

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Have a great first day of school, Bulldogs. As school is back in session, remember to drive slow and ensure a safe commute for everyone. [Images of school-related content]

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Stop on Red: The Deadly Consequences of Running Red Lights

It’s National Stop on Red Week, a crucial reminder that red-light running is a leading cause of crashes, deaths, and injuries at intersections. The importance of stopping on red cannot be overstated – it’s a simple yet lifesaving action that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Always remember to STOP on red, as this basic traffic rule is essential for ensuring safety on our roads. By doing so, we can all play a vital role in preventing unnecessary tragedies and making our communities safer for everyone.

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