MITCHELL – A Washington, Indiana, man was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning after a series of disturbances at a Mitchell residence led to a standoff with law enforcement.
The incident began at approximately 2:59 a.m. on January 16, when a male contacted the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. The caller reported that a friend, identified as Ethan D. Bundy, 23, had arrived at his residence on Dixie Highway intoxicated and was creating a disturbance by yelling, screaming, and throwing items.
Captain Harrison Fleetwood and officers from the Indiana State Police initially responded to the scene. According to the probable cause affidavit, officers found Bundy in a bathroom. He was reportedly slurring his speech and told officers they were trespassing.
The male caller informed police that while he had allowed Bundy to stay for one night, Bundy had remained for nearly two weeks and refused to leave.
Officers attempted to coordinate a ride for Bundy through his brother. Captain Fleetwood warned Bundy that if police were forced to return, he would be taken to jail. Officers cleared the scene at that time.
At 3:37 a.m., less than an hour after the first visit, the male caller phoned dispatch again. He reported that Bundy had resumed yelling and had allegedly struck him.
Upon the officers’ return, the situation escalated, officers could hear Bundy yelling at the residents as they entered the home. Bundy reportedly told officers he would “fight all officers on scene” before going to jail and repeatedly claimed the police were trespassing.
The male caller reported that after the first police visit, Bundy smacked him on the back and swung at a roommate. Bundy denied these claims.
After learning that transportation from Bundy’s brother could not be arranged, Captain Fleetwood ordered Bundy to be placed under arrest. Though Bundy reportedly tensed up, he eventually complied with commands.
Bundy was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on the following preliminary charge of disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor.
While the resident, reported being struck, he informed officers he did not wish to pursue battery charges and only wanted Bundy removed from the home.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
