ORLEANS — A chaotic scene unfolded in a quiet Orleans neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in a woman being airlifted to the hospital and a local man facing numerous felony charges, including attempted murder.
At approximately 4:44 p.m. on January 28, 2026, the Orleans Police Department responded to multiple emergency calls reporting a stabbing at a residence in the 500 block of South Mathers Street
Orleans Chief Deputy Marshal Drew Henderson was the first to arrive on the scene. Upon entering the home, Henderson encountered the alleged attacker, identified as Skyler Smith, in the living room.
The situation escalated quickly as Henderson attempted to lead Smith out of the residence. While on the front porch, Smith reportedly attacked Henderson and attempted to disarm him by grabbing the officer’s duty weapon.
Despite slipping on snow and ice during the struggle, Henderson maintained control of his firearm. The suspect was eventually subdued with the assistance of a neighbor—the victim’s ex-husband—who tackled Smith, allowing Henderson to deploy a taser and take him into custody.
The female victim suffered several stab and slash wounds. She was treated on-site before being airlifted by Air Evac to the University of Louisville hospital.
Police confirmed that four minor children were inside the home at the time of the attack, including the victim’s two children and two grandchildren she was caring for. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the children.
After being medically cleared at IU Health Paoli, Skyler Smith was booked into the Orange County Jail. According to the Orleans Police Department, Smith faces a litany of charges, including attempted murder, domestic battery in the presence of a child under the age of 15, battery with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, attempting to disarm an officer, and resisting arrest.
The Orleans Police Department was assisted by the Paoli Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and IU Health ambulance services.
The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Chief Deputy Drew Henderson. Case paperwork has been submitted to Orange County Prosecutor Holly Hudelson for formal review.
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.
