Arrest made after home break-in, standoff with law enforcement

Monday, October 14, 2024 at 7:47 PM

By Staff report

A man was arrested after breaking into a Starke County home and then refusing to get out of a vehicle.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Starke County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 6000 North Block of 1100 East in reference to an unwanted male subject who had entered the residence forcefully through a window. Once inside, the subject started waving an alleged firearm and started breaking items. He then left the residence in an unknown direction.

While enroute to the scene the man was spotted by a Starke County deputy traveling westbound on US 30 without any headlights. The deputy then activated his emergency lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle then turned into the Grovertown truck stop on US 30.

Deputies attempted to speak with the male subject and he was uncooperative. He was also believed to be in possession of several weapons inside the vehicle. For approximately two hours deputies made several attempts to get the subject to exit the vehicle but were unsuccessful. Then, deputies deployed pepper spray to gain compliance while still giving verbal commands and K9 announcements but were unsuccessful. After not complying, a Marshall County Sheriff’s deputy deployed his K9 to subdue the subject.

The subject, who was identified as Richard Maher III, 30, of Bremen, was then taken into custody. He was transported to Northwest Health Hospital in Knox to be treated for his injuries.

Due to possible explosive material inside the vehicle, the South Bend Bomb squad was contacted to respond. While waiting for them to arrive, Starke County Sheriff’s explosive K9 dog Csufi was deployed to conduct a sweep of the vehicle and indicated a positive alert for the odor of explosive materials. South Bend Police Bomb Squad and the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms division) arrived and took custody of the evidence inside the vehicle. The Grovertown truck stop remained closed until the scene was deemed safe.

Maher is charged with domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, intimidation, and residential entry. Additional charges are expected once the investigation is complete. Charges will be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor.