13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Two arrested in Indiana wedding crasher theft

Two arrested in Indiana wedding crasher theft

Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News

Seymour - Police arrested a couple in connection with the theft of a birdcage filled with gift cards and cash from a wedding reception.

Police say it was talk about what happened at the reception following Aaron and Margaret Brown's wedding a week ago Saturday that led them to the couple who not only crashed the party, but allegedly stole thousands of dollars in wedding gifts. Police call it a "crime of opportunity."

"They stopped the car, he ran in, grabbed the birdcage, ran out," said Seymour Police Chief Bill Abbott.

Police say 27-year-old Casey Cockerham and his girlfriend, 24-year-old Michelle Nichalson, were driving by the Seymour American Legion when they noticed the crowd, so they stopped. Inside, while the Browns celebrated with family and friends, investigators say Cockerham grabbed the birdcage, which was filled with gift cards and cash.

A tip to police - and the suspects themselves talking about the crime - led to their arrests Monday. Police didn't have to go far to find the suspects. They were among a group of people investigators called in to interview about the case and were arrested on the spot.

A passerby found the birdcage a couple days later along the side of the road about a mile from the reception hall, but it was empty.

"Everything's been spent or disposed of," said Abbott.

"I can't imagine being that low in your life to have to do something like that," Aaron Brown said. "We're both pretty lucky."

Cockerham was just released from prison this past March, where he was serving time for dealing cocaine. The newlyweds, who had to postpone their honeymoon as a result of the theft, say they plan to save up and take a trip over spring break.