Uncooperative Overdose Victim One Of Two Arrested
Staff Report
WARSAW — A man and woman were arrested after police responded to a call regarding an apparent overdose.
Kaden Ray Templeton, 18, 3337 E. Pleasant Grove Drive, Warsaw, is charged with possession of a legend drug, a level 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, a class B misdemeanor.
Ashley Lynn Jefferson, 38, of the same address, is charged with battery to a law enforcement officer, a level 6 felony.
According to the affidavit, on June 26, a Winona Lake Police officer arrived at a home where it had been reported that a man had possibly used Fentanyl and was unresponsive. The man was later identified as Templeton.
After police arrived, Templeton appeared to be having difficulty standing and was slurring his speech. He was told that an ambulance was on its way.
After hearing this, Templeton said he would not go. The officer attempted to reason with him, but Templeton tried to stagger away, even after the officer told him not to do that.
Templeton knelt over and the officer placed his hand on Templeton’s shoulder and tried to convince him to take a seat. Templeton stood up and tried to back away. The officer then took hold of Templeton’s right arm to keep him from leaving the area.
Templeton continued to resist and said, “Get the **** off me.” The officer grabbed Templeton’s arms in an attempt to gain control him and place him on the ground. Templeton continued to resist.
A Pierceton Police officer arrived and saw Templeton fighting with the Winona Lake officer. The Pierceton officer drew his Taser and ordered Templeton to get down on the ground or he was going to be Tased.
Templeton continued to fight with the Winona Lake officer so the Pierceton officer used his taser on Templeton.
The use of the Taser had little impact and Templeton continued to resist.
Jefferson then began screaming at the Pierceton officer and struck him on the shoulder.
The officer used his taser again on Templeton. At that time, Templeton tensed up and his resistance ceased. The other officer lowered Templeton onto his stomach, pulled his hands behind his back and placed him in hand restraints.
Police put handcuffs on Jefferson and she was placed in a patrol vehicle. The officer read Jefferson her rights, which she said she understood. Jefferson said she struck the officer because she was upset that the officer used his Taser on Templeton.
EMS arrived and took Templeton to Kosciusko Community Hospital to be treated. Templeton agreed to cooperate with hospital staff and was left in their care.
A short time later, Kosciusko County Dispatch advised that Templeton was causing problems in the KCH emergency room. The Winona Lake officer who had initially been at the scene responded and was told that Templeton had ripped his IV out.
The officer told Templeton to sit on the bed, which Templeton complied with. However, when Templeton was told he needed to cooperate and allow KCH staff to treat him, he said he was not going to remain in the hospital and stood up.
The officer explained that Templeton needed to be medically cleared before going to jail. At that time, Templeton began yelling and using profanity, saying he would not cooperate.
The officer told Templeton he needed to sit on the bed and cooperate or he would be handcuffed to the bed. At that point, Templeton stood up and began cursing again.
Two officers took hold of Templeton’s arms and pulled him onto the bed and handcuffed him to the bed. Templeton pulled away and resisted as officers were restraining him. He continued to yell and use profanity after officers told him to stop.
Templeton was medically cleared and taken to the Kosciusko County Jail. When he arrived at the jail, he was searched. Police found a clear plastic bag containing a white powder substance in the pocket of Templeton’s pants. Templeton said the substance was crushed Xanax pills.
Templeton does not have a valid prescription for Xanax, a legend drug.
Templeton and Jefferson were both booked at the Kosciusko County Jail June 26, each on a $5,250 surety and cash bond.