Matthew Christopher Hoshal

WARSAW — Matthew Christopher Hoshal, 24, 1246 E. CR 400S, Warsaw, is being charged with a Count I robbery (attempt), a level 5 felony and Count II resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, filed March, 28, with Kosciusko Superior Court III, Deputy Michael Fowler of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, was out on patrol when a call came from dispatch saying a robbery of a Fast Cabs taxi driver had been reported. Dispatch said the Fast Cab driver reportedly used pepper spray on the subject, who was said to have taken off running into a nearby field.

When Fowler talked to the taxi driver, she reported she had picked up a male (Hoshal) and a female from Rex’s Rendevouz at approximately 11 p.m. Friday, March 25, with instructions to deliver them to their desired location. Upon arrival at the requested location, the taxi driver stated the two were having an argument and would not exit the vehicle.

The Fast Cabs driver then got out of the vehicle to encourage the two passengers to also exit, however, Hoshal began questioning the taxi driver about the amount of money she was carrying. The driver said at that point she retreated back into the driver’s seat of the vehicle, but could not close the door because Hoshal was blocking it. Hoshal attempted to grab the driver’s wallet, but was hit with pepper spray to the face. Hoshal was able to grab the driver’s cellphone and then ran into a nearby field.

The officers went to Hoshal’s residence and reported the door was wide open and began to do a safety check of the home. The officers could not locate anyone inside, but observed a purse with all its contents had been thrown on the floor. Officers noticed among the items on the floor was a cellphone with the name of the taxi driver written on it and two identification cards belonging to Hoshal and his female companion.

With the assistance of a K-9 officer and other concerned citizens who reported the subjects whereabouts, officers were able to locate him. When Fowler identified himself as a deputy with the sheriff’s department Hoshal began to run, which resulted in Sgt. Kevin Gelbaugh assisting the subject to the ground, who was then identified as Hoshal. Hoshal stated he ran because he was drunk and on parole. Fowler reported Hoshal had visible pepper spray on his face and shirt.

Approximately 3 1/2 hours later, the female subject was found walking on Center Street and was read her Constitutional rights and warnings, which she waived. The woman admitted she had been with Hoshal earlier when she and Hoshal called a taxi to Rex’s and that Hoshal “snapped.”

Hoshal is being held on $10,000 surety and $250 cash bond.