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Deon Howard: Man arrested 2 months after stealing van containing corpse from Illinois funeral home

Deon Howard was taken into custody after getting into an argument with an officer during a traffic stop, where he was identified as the wanted suspect

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: Deon Howard, the man accused of stealing a van from a funeral home in Rockford, Illinois, with a corpse inside, has been arrested after two months on the run. Howard was taken into custody on Sunday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, after getting into an argument with an officer during a traffic stop, where he was identified as the wanted suspect.

Rockford police are still investigating how the van was stolen from the funeral home. They noted that the vehicle was left unlocked and running before Howard allegedly drove off in it, the NY Post reported.

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'In 25 years, this is the first time we’ve ever heard of anything like this'

"In 25 years, this is the first time we’ve ever heard of anything like this. I hope we never have to see anything like this again," said Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd during a news conference on January 24, when Brown’s body was returned to his family.

'We strive to lessen the burden'

Prior to the incident, the funeral home director Brandy Collins had reportedly received a $10,000 fine for “unprofessional conduct, failure to account for personal property, and aiding and assisting unlicensed practice.”

Collins said in a statement, "We strive to lessen the burden of bereaved families as they face a very difficult time and we work diligently to comply with standards of regulations that apply to the funeral home profession. Our goal is to always provide quality services that our community has come to expect from us."

Howard has been charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and abuse of a corpse. Moreover, he is also facing obstruction and weapons-related charges in Wisconsin. Officials have not yet announced when he will be extradited to Illinois.

Soon after the arrest, the Rockford police issued an alert and released the pictures of the suspect by stating, "ALERT: Plz review these photos of the possible suspect in Saturday's a funeral home van/body theft and contact us if you have any info. You can send an anonymous tip to 847411, type in RPDTIP, and your tip."

According to a report, the funeral home has faced criticism and demands for closure from Brown's family due to alleged negligence in the case. "Our sympathy and sincere prayers are with the family and friends affected by this crime," said Collins in her statement.