The Starke County Prosecutor reported an update on a case from last week.
The prosecutor shared that on April 2nd, deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department were investigating a complaint regarding a dog at large when they observed a man on scene with a known active warrant, who was standing in a doorway holding a chainsaw. The man was identified as Jeremiah J. Fort.
After deputies confirmed Fort’s warrant, they exited their patrol vehicles and called out to Fort, who confirmed the homeowner was at the residence before attempting to walk away. Deputies followed Fort, advising him of his active warrant and telling him to stop. According to the report, deputies attempted to subdue Fort who then swung the chainsaw blade towards a deputy’s face. Deputies were able to restrain Fort, though one of them sustained injuries during the altercation.
The following day, April 3rd, Fort was formally charged with three counts of Resisting Law Enforcement; two Level 5 Felonies and one Class A Misdemeanor. The court set a $50,000 cash bond for Fort.
This week on April 7th, the State filed a Notice to Seek the Habitual Offender Enhancement penalty with the court.
A reminder that all subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
