No injuries in Starke County incident with man and firearms at a Knox home

Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 3:46 PM

By Staff report

Deputies with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Officers of the Knox Police Department responded to 8000 East Block of 25 North, reference a suicidal subject.

It was reported a male returned home, had been drinking, grabbed a firearm, and discharged it inside the residence just before 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve..

The subject had reportedly indicated suicidal statements. The reporting party was able to exit the residence and call 911 after hiding two firearms. The caller reported the mne was sitting at the table with another firearm.

Officers arrived and set a perimeter. Officers obtained more information and requested the fire department to close intersections to maintain public safety. Officers attempted to establish contact with the male subject via telephone but were unsuccessful. Officers made announcements via a patrol vehicle’s Public Announcement (PA) system.

Approximately 14 minutes later, the man exited the residence and was detained without incident. He was transported to Starke Hospital for an evaluation and later transported to the Starke County Justice Center for processing.

Due to the collaborative effort, effective communication, and composure officers were able to deescalate the situation and have a successful outcome to a tragic situation. Sheriff Jack Rosa commends officers and dispatchers involved and emphasizes the importance of local partnerships and effective training for this outcome.

Jeffery Thomas (60) of Knox, is currently incarcerated at the Starke County Justice Center and preliminarily charged with:Criminal Recklessness with a Firearm - Level 5 Felony, and Intimidation - Level 5 Felony

Starke County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Knox Police Department, Starke County EMS, Washington Township Fire Department.