HANCOCK COUNTY — Law enforcement talked an armed, intoxicated woman out of her house Tuesday night after she refused to come out for almost three hours.
Officers responded to the call at a house on South Wollenweber Road, northwest of New Palestine, shortly after 7 p.m.
Capt. Robert Harris, public information officer for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, said that earlier in the day the woman called 911 to complain about a neighbor harassing her. When deputies responded, they learned she was intoxicated, found no credible threats and determined the neighbor wasn’t home, Harris continued.
Harris said the woman called 911 several more times, grew more upset with each call and made statements that concerned law enforcement about her well-being, prompting officers to return to get her help.
During law enforcement’s final visit, the woman’s husband came out to talk to officers and told them that injuries he had sustained were caused by his wife, Harris continued.
The woman refused to come out of the house to leave with officers and at one point came out onto the porch and displayed a handgun, Harris said, adding she also threatened to harm officers and herself. Officers were talking with her on the phone throughout the incident and convinced her to come out at around 9:30 p.m. Harris said she was transported to Community Hospital North in Indianapolis to be evaluated, and criminal charges are anticipated. Harris said he could not identify the woman until the criminal investigation is completed.
Officers with the Hancock County Joint Tactical Team and New Palestine Police Department also responded.
Harris said a search warrant was executed at the house and all of the firearms were removed. Eventually, the woman will be able to petition a court to potentially have them returned.
