Staff Report

SYRACUSE — A North Webster man was arrested for allegedly resisting arrest and grabbing an officer’s duty firearm.

Jesse Todd Carandante, 35, 48 EMS W14A Lane, North Webster, is charged with disarming a law enforcement officer, a level 5 felony; resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury, both level 6 felonies; and unlawful carrying of a handgun and invasion of privacy, both class A misdemeanors.

On Nov. 22, Indiana Conservation officers were patrolling near Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area in Syracuse when they saw a vehicle pass them in an abnormally slow way. The vehicle stopped in the roadway, accelerated in reverse, and then drove forward at a high rate of speed.

When officers saw the vehicle’s right side tires leave the roadway, they attempted to pull the driver over. According to court documents, the driver refused to stop and drove in circles several times. The driver, later identified as Carandante, left the scene at a high rate of speed and the pursuit was terminated.

Officers later saw the vehicle near Webster Lake. They followed the vehicle and saw it crash into a utility pole. Carandante exited the vehicle and stopped at a residence. He refused officers’ commands and forcibly resisted being placed into handcuffs.

During the altercation, Carandante allegedly grabbed one of the officer’s firearms and would not let go. Officers had to force Carandante’s hand off the firearm and holster. One of the officers involved in the altercation sustained scrapes and bruises to his left hand and both knees.

While being read his rights, Carandante yelled profanities and made incoherent statements.

A handgun with a loaded magazine was located inside Carandante’s vehicle.

At the time of this incident, Carandante was under pre-trial release in another criminal case with an active no contact order. The NCO prohibits Carandante from possessing firearms or deadly weapons.

Carandante has already been arrested and released on his own recognizance. He has an initial hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in Kosciusko Superior Court Three.

A photo of Carandante was unavailable for publication.