By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Jonathan Kent Quillen

WARSAW — A Milford man will serve five years in prison after pointing a firearm at police officers and resisting arrest.

Jonathan Kent Quillen, 35, 1495 E. Dove Lane, Milford, was charged with two counts of intimidation, both level 5 felonies; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; and violation of driving conditions, a class C misdemeanor. Three additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Quillen was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court Three on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

On April 1, 2020, a Milford Police officer responded to the 900 block of South Main Street regarding a vehicle that hit a utility pole and the driver’s attempted to leave the scene. Witnesses said the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to yield at a stop sign before trying to turn north on Old SR 15.

The driver, later identified as Quillen, fled the scene on foot. During the pursuit, a driver passing by informed police that Quillen was carrying a gun. As the officer approached, he noticed Quillen was crouched with a firearm pointed in his direction. Quillen than ran from the officer.

Officers from the Syracuse Police Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police formed a perimeter to assist in finding Quillen. Meanwhile, the Milford officer returned to the accident scene to search for evidence.

In the vehicle, the officer found paraphernalia that tested positive for marijuana.

A few hours later, officers received a tip that led to the discovery of the suspect hiding in a dog kennel.

While being processed in the Kosciusko County Jail, Quillen was found to be a habitual traffic violator.

During court proceedings, Quillen said he struggles with substance abuse and that he hardly remembered anything about the incident.

“I’ve come to terms with realizing I need to get help,” said Quillen. “I feel horrible and still do wish I could take it all back.”

Quillen also told the court he has been residing at Serenity House in Warsaw for about two months.

Brian Jackson, Serenity House manager, testified on Quillen’s behalf. He described Quillen as “top-notch” and considered him a model resident.

“I want anything that would allow me to continue supporting my family,” said Quillen regarding his sentence. “They’re the most important thing in my life other than staying sober.”

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mark Caruso noted Quillen’s significant criminal history and said he’s had 10 cases related to substance abuse.

“I just think it’s a little late in the game,” said Caruso. “He took it upon himself to have a weapon and point it at people. I don’t doubt he wants to change but his behavior…it just seems like it’s escalating.”

Defense Attorney Daniel Moore said a prison sentence would not help Quillen address his substance abuse issues. He asked the court to consider Quillen taking responsibility for his actions prior to sentencing him. Moore also requested Quillen be allowed to continue living at Serenity House.

“I really messed up and I accept that,” said Quillen. “I feel horrible and never want to instill fear in someone like that ever again. I am seeking help and want to be there for my family.”

For the first intimidation count, Kosciusko Superior Court Three Judge Chad Miner sentenced Quillen to five years in prison. Judge Miner also sentenced Quillen to one year on probation for the second intimidation charge and one year on probation for resisting law enforcement. The violation of driving conditions charge resulted in a two-month suspended sentence for Quillen. All four counts will be served consecutively.

In total, Quillen received a seven-year, two-month sentence; five years will be served in prison and the remainder will be served through probation.

Quillen’s sentence will also be served consecutively to a probation violation case out of Greene County for methamphetamine possession.

Judge Miner recommended Quillen for the Recovery While Incarcerated program as part of his prison sentence.