Kosciusko County S.W.A.T. team was called in to assist South Whitley Police Department Tuesday afternoon in the arrest of an individual wanted on a Kosciusko County warrant.
John Justine Tingle, 34, South Whitley, was arrested without incident after a stand-off at his mother’s home.
According to the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s office, Tingle was wanted on a felony warrant for non-support of a dependent child. The bond was set at $4,000 cash. Additional charges in Whitley County may be pending.
South Whitley Police Chief Dave Wilkinson stated officers from his department were on routine patrol, at approximately 12:30 p.m., when Tingle was spotted operating a vehicle. The officers knew Tingle was wanted on an outstanding warrant and attempted a traffic stop. A short pursuit occurred with Tingle abandoning his vehicle behind his mother’s residence, fleeing inside the home.
Wilkinson stated officers attempted to get Tingle to exit the home and surrender to authorities, however after refusing continued verbal orders, Kosciusko County S.W.A.T. was called. A canine unit was also called in.
Wilkinson stated closer S.W.A.T. teams were unavailable.
Two occupants, in the home at the time, did exit the home when being ordered to do so by police.
During the stand-off with police Whitko High School and South Whitley Elementary School were under external lockdown.
Tingle was apprehended at approximately 4 p.m.