A woman held against her will sparked a response from law enforcement in Rochester Tuesday morning.
Just before 10 a.m., Fulton County deputies received the initial report of the incident in the 900 block of Monticello Road. The female was able to escape and informed law enforcement that the male acquaintance inside was armed with a firearm. She also explained that she had been battered by the man later identified as Franklin Hibshman, 34, of Mentone. Hibshman refused deputies orders to exit the residence.
Assistance was requested from the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (ERT). Shortly after their arrival, Hibshman came out peacefully and was taken into custody.
Hibshman was taken to the Fulton County Detention Center on charges of Criminal Confinement, Level 3 felony; Intimidation, Level 6 felony; Domestic Battery, A misdemeanor and an active warrant out of Whitley County for Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Assisting the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office were Rochester Police, Indiana State Police, ISP ERT, Lutheran EMS and the Fulton County EMA.
Monticello Road was closed for about three hours during the incident.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
