Standoff in Marshall County Ends Peacefully

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 3:10 AM

The Indiana State Police was requested to assist the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office earlier Wednesday morning, August 28th, after a person they were trying to evict and arrest for criminal trespass barricaded themselves into the home.

On August 28, at approximately 9:50 a.m., deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a residence in the 13,000 block of U.S. 6 in Marshall County to evict the resident, identified as Jennifer Japa, age 63, from the residence after it had been sold and to arrest her for criminal trespass. Japa is alleged to have pointed a long gun at the deputies as they spoke to her. Japa retreated into the house and refused to come out. Deputies also retreated and requested assistance from the Indiana State Police.

The Indiana State Police responded with additional troopers, negotiators, and the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team. After several hours of speaking to Japa, she was safely taken into custody by members of the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team and Indiana State Police detectives at approximately 1:23 p.m. as she exited the residence. Japa was arrested on the original charge of criminal trespass as well as a warrant for Pointing a Firearm, Level 6 Felony, which was filed during the standoff. Japa was taken to the Marshall County Jail.

U.S. 6 was shut down to traffic while police were on the scene and is now back open.

*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.