Monday, Dec. 9 incident

In a police report Tuesday morning with limited preliminary information, the sheriff’s department said it responded Monday to a 911 call for a domestic disturbance just east of Winamac. The caller advised there was a knife involved and two victims had sustained severe neck lacerations.

Sheriff Chris Schramm, Chief Deputy Rausch, and Detective Sgt. Heims arrived first on scene and began addressing the complaint. The female had a laceration to her neck, but was in stable condition. Law enforcement was directed downstairs were the male involved was reported to be deceased. Upon arriving downstairs, the man was located and appeared unresponsive. However, as he was approached to administer medical aid, the subject stood up and charged Rausch. The man (whose identity has not been released) was directed back to the ground.

Additional attempts were made to treat the man’s severe neck laceration, but he continued to fight and kick at the responding officers. More assistance arrived at the scene, and the male subject was restrained. First aid was attempted and was successful. The man was stabilized and flown via helicopter to a higher echelon of care. The female involved was transported to Pulaski Memorial Hospital where she was treated for her injuries. 

At this time, the department will not directly release any names of the parties involved as the incident investigation is ongoing and the facts are still being determined. 

Responding agencies who are directly responsible for saving two lives: Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Pulaski County EMS, and Winamac Fire Department.

Sunday, Dec. 8 incident

On Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to an address in Winamac for a domestic dispute. According to the police report, the complainant advised that Timothy Ross had pointed a firearm at her, and she fled the residence. 

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with her about the incident. Ross, 22, Winamac, was requested to come out of the house, and he complied. He was placed in handcuffs with his hands behind his back. He was secured in a police vehicle that was not equipped with a transport cage. Deputies continued the investigation, and independently corroborated the complaint. The firearm located was reported stolen. 

When a deputy returned to the vehicle, Ross was discovered with his hands now in front of him and the truck window rolled down. The deputy had Ross step out, and was escorting him to a police vehicle with a cage. During the transition, according to the police report, Ross snapped away from the deputy, fled on foot and was lost from sight.

Extra personnel were requested, along with thermal drones and a canine unit. After contacting numerous citizens in town, police informed the community of the search through social media. Numerous sightings of the fugitive were reported prior to police making contact with Ross. 

Deputy Speer located Ross hiding in some brush near the Pizza King restaurant in Winamac. Upon making contact, Ross fled from the deputy. A smaller perimeter was in place, and the subject rounded a corner near Sgt. Seth Barton who moved to head Ross off down an alley where he was confronted and subdued.

Barton sustained minor injuries from the encounter. Ross was transported to the Pulaski County Jail without further incident and booked on several felony charges.