Man arrested for hunting on school property

PUTNAM CO., Ind. (WTHI) - An Indianapolis man was arrested on Sunday afternoon at a Putnam County high school for allegedly hunting rabbits on school property. 

Kim A. England, 56, Indianapolis, was arrested by Indiana Conservation Officer Chris Springstun at North Putnam High School/Middle School in Bainbridge, Indiana at 11:30 a.m. Sunday for possessing a firearm on school property.

After hearing a shot while on patrol near the high school, Officer Springstun located a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, and began to follow foot tracks left in the snow near the vehicle.  These foot tracks eventually led Springstun down a school nature trail, referred to as the North Putnam Outdoor Learning Center. 

Springstun located England, who was in possession of a firearm and several rabbits, near the football practice field. 

England claimed that he was hunting rabbits on property that he thought was open to the public.  The incident happened at approximately 11:30 a.m., at the same time that a church service was being held in the school. 

Several rabbits and a .410 revolver were seized from England during his arrest. 

England was transported to the Putnam County Jail where he awaits formal arraignment. 

School officials were later notified of the incident.  There were no reported injuries in the incident.

England faces additional charges including hunting without consent, hunting without a license, and the illegal taking of rabbits, as well as hunting rabbits without hunter orange clothing.