BLOOMINGTON — A 42-year-old Ellettsville man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly brandishing a loaded shotgun and pepper-spraying bystanders during an anti-ICE protest at the intersection of Walnut Street and Kirkwood Avenue.
Ryan D. Hughes was apprehended by Bloomington police last Friday. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered a loaded 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun, a 9mm handgun strapped to his chest, and a canister of pepper spray.
Police responded to the scene around 2:15 p.m. following several emergency calls regarding an armed individual. According to investigators, Hughes’ actions affected three separate victims.
A driver reported that Hughes stepped in front of his vehicle, pointed a shotgun at him, and threatened him, causing the driver to fear for his life.
A man searching the protest for his 15-year-old daughter approached Hughes, believing him to be a protest leader. Hughes allegedly shoulder-checked the man and sprayed him in the face with pepper spray.
A 65-year-old driver attempting to turn onto Walnut Street was blocked by Hughes. When the driver asked him to move, Hughes reportedly sprayed mace through the victim’s open car window.
Hughes was booked into the Monroe County Jail on preliminary charges of Level 5 felony intimidation, Level 6 felony pointing a firearm, and two counts of Class A misdemeanor battery.
Records indicate Hughes bonded out of custody on Friday evening. While official charges are still pending from the prosecutor’s office, Bloomington police are continuing to interview other protesters who reported being sprayed during the event.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
