Warsaw Man Arrested After Threatening Officer, Pulling False Fire Alarm
Staff Report
WARSAW — A Warsaw man was recently arrested after threatening a police officer and pulling a fire alarm without any signs or evidence of a fire.
Johnny Shotts, 36, 1303 Husky Trail, Warsaw, is charged with intimidation, resisting a law enforcement officer, and battery to a public safety official, all level 6 felonies; obstructing or interfering with a firefighter, a class A misdemeanor; and false informing, a class B misdemeanor.
On June 14, a Warsaw Police officer was dispatched to a location regarding the Warsaw Fire Department requesting assistance with an individual. Dispatch advised that it was believed the individual pulled a fire alarm and was being aggressive at the scene.
Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a Warsaw firefighter, who said the department was responding to the scene after receiving an alarm. Shotts allegedly told firefighters that he pulled the fire alarm because a person was keeping bombs at the location.
According to court documents, while the officer spoke with the firefighter, Shotts advanced toward the firefighter and assumed a fighting pose. Shotts then threatened the officer and attempted to hit the firefighter. The Warsaw firefighter was able to physically deflect the attack.
While being restrained by the officer, Shotts began to scream and attempted to bite the officer. The officer sustained a knee abrasion while attempting to take Shotts into custody.
Warsaw firefighters checked the location and found no evidence of bombs or bomb-making materials. There was also no evidence of any fires in the building.
Shotts was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on June 14, with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.