PUTNAM CO. – On Monday, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Putnamville Trooper Kevin Fowler was patrolling in southern Putnam County. While patrolling, he observed a vehicle with an inoperable headlamp. Trooper Fowler, in his fully marked police car, caught up with the vehicle and activated all his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop on US 40 near County Road 510 East, but the driver refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued.
The vehicle traveled on US 40 turning north on Zinc Mill Road. It was at this time that the driver of the vehicle shot at the trooper’s car with a handgun. The pursuit continued through side roads with the vehicle driving to the Woods Edge subdivision in Greencastle. The vehicle eventually stopped and a male driver then quickly exited the pursued vehicle running away from the vehicle, stating, “there is a child in the car.”
It was at this time that a child also exited the vehicle and ran toward Trooper Fowler. The child was immediately secured and taken to a safe location. The male suspect then ran into a residence and barricaded himself. A female was already located inside the residence. Negotiators from the Indiana State Police were able to make contact with the male suspect and were able to get the female released safely.
The suspect was then identified as Darell L. Goff, 44, of Greencastle, Indiana. At approximately 11:40 p.m., Indiana State Police SWAT team began using non-lethal tactical techniques to gain voluntary compliance for Goff to surrender. Goff surrendered a few moments later and was taken into custody without further incident. Goff was then transported to the Putnam County Jail on charges of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, pointing a firearm, resisting arrest, neglect of a dependent, and criminal recklessness.
The investigation is being conducted by Indiana State Police detectives Ryan Winters and Don Curtis, with the assistance of Lieutenant Jeff Hearon, First Sergeant Brian Maudlin, and CSI Sergeant Michael Organ of the Putnamville State Police Post.
Assisting Agencies: Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and Greencastle Police Department.
