Holton man holds police at bay with weapon
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

What began as a routine warrant being served on 47-year-old Bobby L. Cole, of Holton, turned into be anything but routine with Cole holding officers at bay in an armed standoff on Monday evening, June 28.

According to information from Sgt. Randy Holt of the Ripley County Sheriff's Department, deputies attempted to serve an outstanding arrest warrant at the Cole residence on Versailles Street in Holton. This warrant was for Cole failing to appear in Ripley County Superior Court on charges of intimidation and harassment.

When the officers arrived, Deputy Herbert Houseworth saw Cole leaving the rear of the property. A foot pursuit then began, which resulted in an armed standoff in a field near the rear of the suspect's residence.

Cole was armed with a 9mm semi automatic handgun, as officers negotiated with him for approximately 20 minutes as he held the gun to his own head.

"Due to the outstanding efforts of all of the officers at the scene, Cole was taken into custody without incident," noted Sheriff Bill Davison. "This could have had a tragic outcome, but it didn't, due to the professionalism displayed by the officers who were there."

Cole surrendered to authorities following an intense negotiation and was transported to the Ripley County Jail where he was incarcerated without bond pending court.

The incident is still under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff's Department who were assisted at the scene by officers from the Versailles and Osgood police departments, and the Indiana State Police.