Suspected thieves identified after cashing $40 lottery ticket

Was a $40 lottery ticket worth it?

Thieves crept into a Greenwood garage early Wednesday morning and stole a handgun, $200 in cash and a scratch-off lottery ticket, a police report from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said.

They might have gotten away with keeping their identities a secret, except that they cashed in on the lottery ticket — for a mere $40.

Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox said investigators identified two men suspected of breaking into a truck in the 300 block Shadow Hill Drive after security cameras captured them with the stolen lottery ticket at a Speedway gas station Thursday morning.

Investigators have not yet caught the men, Cox said.

The homeowner called police Wednesday morning when he realized someone broke into his truck. He reported his gun, some cash and a lottery ticket missing.

Cash was scattered in his yard, the police report said.

Investigators contacted the Hoosier Lottery, which was able to pinpoint the suspected stolen ticket.

Lottery officials told police the ticket was cashed in for $40 at a Speedway on East Southport Road.

Johnson County authorities then circulated security photographs of the suspects to the media, which resulted in an identification, Cox said.

The men are still at large, though, along with their $40 in winnings.

Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter:@Mabuckley88.