Man arrested after driving truck into the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center

A man is in the Johnson County Jail for what law enforcement is calling "an appalling and deliberate act of violence."

The Johnson County Sheriff's office says Jacob Dhondt, 39, drove his truck through the front vestibule and entryway of the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center on Sunday, at 11:40 a.m. The facility, which operates 24/7 and houses juvenile residents, was shaken by the impact of the vehicle ramming through its front entrance.

Dhondt’s truck, bearing the words “Fathers Matter” emblazoned across the tailgate, tore through the secured entryway of a building where employees were actively working and juveniles were being held under court order. Sheriff Duane Burgess says the attack could have killed or seriously injured any number of staff or residents who were on-site at the time.

“This wasn’t just vandalism. This was a targeted, intentional act that put the lives of innocent people — people simply doing their jobs — directly in harm’s way,” said Burgess. “It’s very fortunate no one was killed or injured.”

Dhondt was immediately apprehended by law enforcement officers who were nearby. According to initial interviews, he stated he was angry at the Johnson County court system, claiming he hadn’t been permitted to see his son in over a year. He reportedly told officers that this violent stunt was intended to “send a message to the judges and judicial system".

Dhondt's attack is reported to be at the Juvenile court which is housed in the same building. His son is not currently at the detention center. 

Dhondt is now facing several preliminary criminal charges, including:

 Level 5 Felony – Intimidation

 Level 6 Felony – Criminal Recklessness

 Level 6 Felony – Criminal Mischief

Dhondt also has an active Level 2 Felony warrant out of Shelby County for dealing methamphetamine. Due to his existing court supervision on unrelated charges, he was held without bond. 

“We will not tolerate attacks against our staff or our justice system,” said Sheriff Burgess. “This was an act of intimidation, plain and simple, and we will pursue justice with the full weight of the law.”