Police Respond to Rumors, Say They Are Unified And Ready
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW – Rampant rumors and talk on social media about the potential for some kind of uprising or violence in Warsaw has led to area police issuing a statement.
The rumors started flying over the past two days following the arrest and brief detention of three Black Lives Matter supporters after an incident along US 30 near Larwill on Wednesday night, Aug. 12.
A few supporters of BLM suggested online that others from outside of the state should descend on Warsaw and seek retaliation.
That in turn led to calls on Facebook Thursday night for an armed defense of the city. One post called for 1,000 armed residents to defend the city.
Authorities have been monitoring the situation and issued a statement Friday afternoon.
“The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Warsaw Police Department and the Indiana State Police are aware of threats that have been posted across social media platforms. This situation has been closely monitored and there is nothing at this time that has proven credible,” said a statement from the sheriff’s office.
“Kosciusko County’s law enforcement community is unified in our mission and commitment to protecting our citizens, visitors and businesses. In the event of a change in circumstances, the public will be immediately notified,” the statement said.
“We greatly appreciate the support and concern we have received,” the statement said.
Warsaw has been the site of four recent BLM rallies, drawing hundreds of people to Warsaw and Winona Lake. The demonstrations, organized locally, have been peaceful.
But a BLM caravan traveling from Milwaukee to Washington D.C. and passing through Kosciusko County earlier this week was confronted by police on Wednesday night along US 30, advising the protesters to find a different route after the caravan caused a backup of traffic.
Those arrested were Frank David Sensabaugh, 30; Eric Ajala, 20; and Tory Lowe, 44 – all of Milwaukee, Wis., – were arrested for misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction of traffic. Lowe was arrested for an additional charge of misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. All were taken to the Kosciusko County Jail.
Sensabaugh, who goes by Frank Nitty II, is the leader of the march. They were released shortly aftward.
The caravan had apparently reached Fort Wayne Friday.