Press Release

WALKERTON — The Indiana State Police was requested to assist the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office after a person they were trying to evict and arrest for criminal trespass barricaded herself into the home.

Around 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a residence in the 13000 block of US 6 in Marshall County to evict the resident, identified as Jennifer Japa, 63, from the residence after it had been sold and to arrest her for criminal trespass. Japa is alleged to have pointed a long gun at the deputies as they spoke to her. Japa retreated into the house and refused to come out. Deputies also retreated and requested assistance from ISP.

ISP responded with additional troopers and negotiators, as well as the ISP Emergency Response Team. After several hours of speaking to Japa, she was safely taken into custody by members of the ISP Emergency Response Team as well as ISP detectives around 1:23 p.m. as she exited the residence.

Japa was arrested on the original charge of criminal trespass as well as a warrant for pointing a firearm, which was filed during the standoff. Japa was taken to the Marshall County Jail.

US 6 was shut down to traffic while police were on the scene and is now back open.