Tammy Too Wehmeyer, 42, and James Franklin Hill, 39, both of Gary, were taken into custody after police responded to an alarm at the city-owned Genesis Center Plaza in Gary at about 9:35 a.m. on October 25,2026.

The affidavits state that an alarm company detected movement on interior cameras and reported seeing two people enter the property. When officers arrived, they found the Genesis Center surrounded by a tall, locked chain-link fence marked with “DO NOT ENTER” signs. A security employee told officers that surveillance footage showed two people jumping the fence and entering the property. The employee had not seen them leave.

After gaining access, officers entered the building and heard banging, power tools operating on an upper floor and voices. Officers announced themselves and searched the upper floors but did not initially find anyone. They then found an open access door leading to the roof.

On the roof, an officer saw a sweatshirt near the access point with what appeared to be a burglary tool resting on it. Officers then located Wehmeyer attempting to hide behind an object and Hill lying in a corner.

Police reported that both were carrying backpacks containing tools and freshly cut copper piping. Officers also saw structural materials and valuable metals stacked near an upstairs exit. The items appeared to have been freshly cut from their original locations and gathered for removal.

While speaking with officers, Wehmeyer said she entered the building with the intent to take property. She also said she and Hill went inside because they did not believe the property belonged to anyone and needed money.

Charges filed October 27, 2026:

Burglary, Level 5 felony