Orien Jacob Rosbrugh

WARSAW — A Warsaw man was sentenced to four years in prison on Monday, Dec. 23, after battering and disarming a North Webster police officer.

Orien Jacob Rosbrugh, 25, Warsaw, was charged with disarming a law enforcement officer, a level 5 felony; and possession of methamphetamine and battery against a public safety official, both level 6 felonies.

On June 8, an officer with the North Webster Police Department responded to a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, it was discovered that Rosbrugh was causing problems at a residence.

According to court documents, the officer approached Rosbrugh and said he needed to speak with him. Rosbrugh walked into the residence, went into a backyard, refused to speak with the officer and then ran away. The officer later saw Rosbrugh get into a vehicle. At this point, the officer activated his emergency lights and siren but the vehicle refused to stop. The vehicle drove off the roadway and through a yard before coming to a stop. Rosbrugh then exited the vehicle and ran toward the officer’s patrol vehicle.

The officer chased Rosbrugh around the patrol vehicle and warned him that he was going to use his taser. Rosbrugh charged the officer and attempted to take control of the taser. The taser discharged, striking Rosbrugh in the right arm. Rosbrugh then charged the officer again, knocking the officer to the ground. He continued to resist and attempted to grab at the officer’s gun belt.

The officer later learned that Rosbrugh had stayed at a friend’s house the previous evening and smoked methamphetamine.

“This incident made for a definitely dangerous day,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Buehler. “The officer involved said this could have been worse, but is glad that Mr. Rosbrugh is taking responsibility.”

“He is definitely a different person today than he was when I first met him,” said Defense Attorney John Barrett regarding Rosbrugh’s overall demeanor. “I think it would be best to enter some sort of sentence that allows for Recovery While Incarcerated.”

“It wasn’t in my intent to hurt anyone that day,” said Rosbrugh.

For the charge of disarming a law enforcement officer, Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Rosbrugh to four years in prison. Rosbrugh also received one year in prison for possession of methamphetamine and one year for battery against a public safety official. All counts will be served concurrently.

“We’re lucky that neither one of you are seriously injured or dead,” said Reed. “You have serious issues to work on.”