PERU – Sunday morning at approximately 3:59 a.m., officers with the Indiana State Police, Peru City Police Department, and the Miami County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a possible hostage situation involving a male subject who was reported to have removed his ankle monitor and escaped house arrest in Kokomo.
Officers responded to 132 E. 2nd St. in Peru, IN, where the male suspect, Michael L. Shepard, 37, Kokomo, IN, was believed to be.
While on the scene, a female and a child exited the residence safely. Further investigation revealed Shepard was in the residence, refused to follow commands, and remained barricaded. Based on information that Shepard was armed and dangerous, the ISP North SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiators were called in to resolve the situation.
During the investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. Indiana State Police SWAT utilized their K-9 partner, who assisted in apprehending Shepard. Shepard was transported to an area hospital and remanded to the Miami County Jail. After a further search of the residence, officers located a firearm and suspected drug paraphernalia inside the residence.
Shepard was detained on the following charges:
- Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon – Level 5 Felony
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Level 5 Felony
- Pointing a Firearm – Level 6 Felony
- Criminal Confinement – Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
- Interfering with the Reporting of a Crime – Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
Arresting Officer: Trooper Dustin Powers, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agencies: Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Peru City Police Department, Peru Fire Department, and Lutheran EMS
