Rensselaer, IN – A Watseka man was arrested earlier this month after allegedly threatening officers and damaging jail property following a call for help after a reported bicycle accident in Rensselaer.
According to the Rensselaer Police Department, the incident occurred on Thursday, July 18 around 6:19 p.m. when officers responded to the intersection of Vine and McKinley for a report of a man possibly injured in the roadway. Upon arrival, police found 52-year-old Thomas Coley lying in the middle of the northbound lane near a bike.
Coley told officers he had not crashed and reportedly became uncooperative when police offered to assist him. Officers stated that he refused rides or to provide any destination. The department noted that when officers pressed him for information on how to help, Coley allegedly grew hostile, stating it was “none of the officer’s business” and began making threats of violence. He was subsequently arrested at the scene.
Police reported that once transported to the Jasper County Jail, Coley continued to allegedly threaten officers and encouraged them to pull over to fight. He also reportedly kicked a body-worn camera while in custody, causing damage.
Coley faces charges of intimidation and battery on a public safety official, both classified as Level 6 felonies under Indiana law. Additional misdemeanor charges include resisting law enforcement and criminal mischief.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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