Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office investigates NYE weapons complaint & multi-county pursuit

At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to the 16000 block of Province Court in Hamilton County near Fortville following a weapons complaint. The initial caller reported that her husband was threatened when leaving the neighborhood, stating that a suspect wearing a ski mask pointed an AK-47-style rifle at him.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that no shots had been fired but verified the reported threat involving the firearm.

A deputy patrolling the area located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description, including its make, color, and license plate. As the deputy followed the vehicle out of the neighborhood and attempted a traffic stop, the suspects fled, initiating a pursuit.

The chase spanned multiple counties, beginning in Hamilton County, continuing through the Fortville area and Hancock County, and proceeding north on State Road 67 into Pendleton and Madison County before turning east onto U.S. 36 into Henry County. Hamilton County deputies terminated the pursuit near County Road 250 East on U.S. 36.

Shortly after, Middletown Police located the suspect vehicle, which had crashed at U.S. 36 and County Road 500 West. Witnesses reported seeing two black male suspects fleeing the crash site on foot, heading southeast into a nearby farm field.

Law enforcement established a perimeter and deployed drones, K-9 units, and additional personnel in an effort to locate the suspects. Despite exhaustive search efforts, the suspects were not apprehended. The suspect vehicle was towed from the scene, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

HCSO thanks the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, New Castle Police Department, the Pendleton Police Department, the Middletown Police Department and Hamilton County EMA for their assistance.

HCSO is committed to ensuring public safety and resolving this matter. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the non-emergency number at (317) 773-1282 or submit tips anonymously at this link.