Rensselaer, IN – A 50-year-old Rensselaer woman faces new charges after allegedly striking a police officer during an arrest attempt on Wednesday, September 17.
According to the Rensselaer Police Department, officers were called to the 800 block of West Kannal Court for a disturbance. At the scene, police contacted Leah Richardson of Rensselaer, who had an active arrest warrant connected to a July case. That investigation had charged Richardson with a level 6 felony for maintaining a common nuisance. Officers reported they had previously tried to serve the warrant but were unable to reach her.
Police stated that when Richardson was advised of the warrant, she asked to be allowed to change clothes before allegedly locking herself inside her apartment and refusing to exit. After an extended standoff, the officer forced entry into the unit. Authorities say Richardson allegedly struck the officer multiple times while being taken into custody in an attempt to prevent arrest.
Richardson now faces an additional level 6 felony charge of battery on a law enforcement officer. She remains charged on the original warrant as well.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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