Kurtis Michael Gunkel

WARSAW— A Warsaw man is being charged with possession of a syringe and resisting law enforcement after an officer’s canine had to be used.

Kurtis Michael Gunkel, 42, 55 EMS C29 A Lane, Warsaw, is being charged with possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony, and resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, an officer with the Winona Lake Police Department observed a male subject, later identified as Gunkel, walking south on CR 300E south of CR 750N in a hoodie with the hood up and pants wet below the knee on July 1.

The officer approached Gunkel who turned his head into his hoodie. The officer noted that it was approximately 70 degrees outside.

The affidavit states that Gunkel pointed north and when the officer attempted to make contact Gunkel crossed the road and pointed south. Gunkel then placed his left hand in his pocket and got on his knees facing the officer. The officer drew his weapon and asked the subject to remove his hand from a concealed position.

As the officer spoke to Gunkel, Gunkel fidgeted with a gold ball and passed it from one hand to the other before throwing it at the officer. The officer noted that Gunkel appeared high and/or intoxicated.

Gunkel asked the officer if the officer knew him. At this time the officer had not identified Gunkel and advised he did not know him. According to the affidavit Gunkel then began running through a cornfield. The officer warned Gunkel that if he did not stop the officer would release his canine partner.

When Gunkel observed the canine he initially put his hands up and stopped running and the officer called off the attack. Once Gunkel saw the dog had stopped he continued running. After multiple warnings, the officer again released his canine who apprehended Gunkel.

It was at this time Gunkel was identified. Near the area of his arrest, three syringes were found and one appeared to have been used.

It was discovered that Gunkel had been in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 the day prior for a sentencing on burglary and theft charges when he fled the courtroom before the hearing.