Mitchell police find knife in hand of man during arrest, leading to injuries and additional charges

MITCHELL – On Jan. 31, at approximately 10 p.m. Mitchell Police Canine Officers Michael Bargo and Kenton Carter, Officer Christian Anderson, and Officer Josh Turner executed a warrant service on 41-year-old Joe Porter.

Joe Porter

Porter was wanted on five outstanding failure to appear warrants on criminal charges of two counts of criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement while drawing a deadly weapon, three counts of burglary, four counts of theft with a prior conviction, possession of meth, residential entry and theft of a firearm.

The officers said they utilized a variety of investigative techniques to discover Porter’s locations before learning that he was in the area of East Frank Street

Mitchell police said they organized a plan of action to arrest Porter in an open area to minimize the risk of serious bodily harm to himself, to officers, and any potential citizens in the immediate area, including getting in different positions to maintain a visual on him.

Officers spotted and confronted Porter, leading to him attempting to flee, police said.

After a short foot pursuit, an officer was able to catch Porter and forcibly take him to the ground.

During a struggle to gain control of Porter’s arms, officer Turner said he spotted a utility knife in Porter’s hand. A struggle for the knife ensued, in which officer Anderson said he received a small cut to his nose from the knife.

Police said Porter was tased but it had no effect on him. Eventually, police were able to remove the knife from Porter’s hand.

After a few minutes of struggling to gain control over Porter, Mitchell officers said they were able to handcuff him.

Porter was then transported to IU Health Bedford to receive treatment for injuries he sustained in the struggle.

Drugs and a razor knife were found on Porter.

During a search of Porter’s person, officers said they located three separate plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for the presence of meth. Officers also located a second knife in Porter’s pocket along with a razor blade.

Chief Mike Hardman

“Great investigative work to our officers and we’re extremely fortunate no one received any major injuries during this incident,” said Police Chief Mike Hardman. “This was a potentially deadly situation that could have occurred but fortunately our officers were able to remove the deadly weapon despite receiving injuries and take Joe into custody.”

After Porter was medically cleared from IU Health Bedford, he was transported to the Lawrence County Jail on charges of battery on a public safety officer while armed with a deadly weapon, battery on a public safety officer resulting in bodily injury, battery on a public safety official, resisting arrest by force and fleeing, criminal recklessness, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.