THPD: Burglary suspect leaves baby alone to rob church

Latham/ Vigo Co. Jail

A Terre Haute Police Department investigation into an early morning burglary on the south side has led to the arrest of one man today.

Riley Latham ,21, of Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail at about 8:30 a.m. He is charged with burglary, criminal mischief, neglect of a dependant and theft.

Public Information Officer Ryan Adamson explained that officers were dispatched to a residence on Hampton Avenue, near DeVaney Elementary School, at about 6 a.m., after a woman claimed the suspect had confessed to breaking into a nearby church.

"The victim received a text message from Riley around 1 a.m. saying that he 'did something bad.'" Adamson said, adding that  the victim quickly left her place of work to check on their child at home.

The woman reportedly informed officers at the scene that Latham is her ex-boyfriend had been watching their infant child while she was at work.  

"Upon arriving at home, Riley told the victim he had left the house, broke into the church at 3000 College Avenue and stole several items," Adamson said. The infant  was not injured.

Latham had fled the residence prior to police arrival.  Latham was located during a search of the area, along with the allegedly stolen property.