A man convicted of dealing in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine in a one-day trial in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday, November 13 was taken into custody Wednesday, November 20.
He was not present for the trial and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force worked in a joint operation at a residence in the 2000 South of 250 W. in North Judson Wednesday, November 20. Craft, 51, was considered a serious violent felon and was believed to be armed and dangerous at the time of the operation. Police say he has a history of resisting and fleeing law enforcement.
When they arrived at the residence officers announced their presence over a loud speaker and were greeted by 37-year-old Kayla Risner. She told police that Craft was not present and that she did not know if he was at the residence, according to the report.
Officers searched the residence where an access to a crawl space was discovered in a bedroom closet. K9 Mack was deployed after several announcements were made to search the area. K9 Mack indicated that human odor was present. Police say K9 Mack located a paint respirator and what appeared to be a fresh blanket.
CS Gas was deployed into the crawl space area to gain voluntary compliance. K9 Mack and officers entered the crawl space a second time locating a long blade machete. Officers were unable to safely search the area due to concrete barriers obstructing the view.
A search warrant was obtained to cut the floor of the residence to assist in the search and apprehension of Craft. As the floor was cut, officers saw a person quickly retreating to a different area of the crawl space. Additional CS Gas was utilized. Police say Craft exited from a different area of the crawl space and concealed himself under a deck. He yelled out that he possessed a firearm and officers would have to shoot him, according to the report.
Officers gave numerous announcements to surrender over several minutes. K9 Mack was deployed and assisted with apprehending Craft who was concealing himself under the deck behind a piece of siding.
After a five hour operation, and being treated at the hospital, Craft was taken into custody and transported to the Starke County Justice Center.
Kayla Risner was taken into custody and has a preliminary charge of assisting a criminal.
Formal charges will be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Knox-Center Township Fire Department and Starke County EMS.
