Three Arrested after Standoff with Police in Pulaski County

 Three people were arrested after a stand off with several members of law enforcement in Pulaski County Thursday night.

James Anthony Miller, 48, failed to return to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department after working at a local business as part of work release. The sheriff’s department was notified of Miller’s whereabouts at a residence north of Medaryville on U.S. 421. Two officers approached the house on foot in the dark and they could clearly see Miller, and two other people wanted on warrants inside the home.

Police backup was requested and Sheriff Michael Gayer, the SWAT team, and officers from North Judson, Starke County, Jasper County, Monticello and the Indiana State Police arrived at the scene. The officers surrounded the residence and the sheriff commanded the three to exit the home and surrender to police. After 22 commands, James Miller and Tanya Fitch exited the rear of the home and were taken into custody without incident.

A flash bang device was released into the residence in order to capture 37-year-old Steven Richie. The armed officers entered the residence and discovered a hole in a closet floor in which Richie went through and escaped under the trailer. Police commanded Richie to surrender and when he didn’t, a K9 was released. Richie surrendered after suffering numerous bite wounds from the K9. He was treated at the scene and transported to Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

All three were booked into the Pulaski County Jail. James Miller has preliminary charges of Visiting a Common Nuisance, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of Paraphernalia, Escape and Resisting Law Enforcement. Tanya Fitch has preliminary charges of Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine), Assisting a Criminal, and Resisting Law Enforcement. Steven Richie has preliminary charges of Visiting a Common Nuisance, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine), Assisting a Criminal and Resisting Law Enforcement.