KOSCIUSKO — According to the Kosciusko Sheriff’s Office, the suspect has been arrested and the victim from the June 20 shooting incident remains in critical condition.

Jason Neiswender

With the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Detectives took Jason Neiswender, 40, Mishawaka, into custody this morning, June 28. Neiswender was arrested, without incident, at his residence and is now held in the Kosciusko County Jail with a $125,250 surety and cash bond. He is being charged with aggravated battery, a level 3 felony; two counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon, level 5 felonies; and two counts of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, level 5 felonies. 

The victim, now identified as Isidro Barrientos, 38, Cromwell, remains in critical condition. False identification was initially presented to investigators in the aftermath of the June 20 shooting incident.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 20, officers responded to Lassus Handy Dandy in reference to a battery and battery with a firearm that occurred. Officers arrived and found the driver, identified as Pedro Macias, who had multiple cuts on his head and his face was bleeding. Officers also observed a passenger, identified as Barrientos, who had blood on his chest from a gunshot wound.

Macias advised that Barrientos and he were leaving a residence when a truck blocked the driveway. According to Macias, the driver of the truck, later identified as Neiswender, exited the vehicle started beating him with a handgun, knocking Macias unconscious. Macias told officers that when he regained consciousness, Barrientos had been shot in the chest and could not breathe. At that time, Macias was able to get around the truck and drove to Warsaw, where he called the police.

Officers were able to locate a bullet inside Macias’ vehicle. The officers then went to the residence where the shooting occurred and found blood and a handgun along the roadway.

Neighbors advised that they heard screaming and arguing at the residence. Officers also spoke with the owner of the residence at which the shooting occurred. The homeowner advised that Neiswender had been at the residence earlier that day.

Barrientos remains in critical condition at Lutheran Hospital. According to hospital officials, he was shot in the right arm and the bullet traveled in a downward direction into his chest, down the abdomen and into his kidney.