Suspect Who Used Baby As Human Shield Charged With 15 Felonies & 2 Misdemeanors
What began as an armed domestic incident escalated into a tense hostage situation for a woman with three young children early Wednesday, on the 2400 block of 45th in unincorporated Gary, according to Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.
The woman’s ex-boyfriend used her 15 month old as a human shield while barricading himself in her restroom. The suspect now identified as Keith Wells, 31, of Crown Point is a convicted felon and now in lodged once again in the Lake County Jail. The mother and her children are safe, Martinez stated.
Just before 5 AM, Wednesday, the 25-year-old woman called 9-1-1 to report her ex was armed with a handgun inside her apartment and had threatened to shoot her and police. The woman stated she had a protective order against her ex.
Lake County Sheriff’s Department police and Lake County 9-1-1 attempted to maintain contact with the mom while the Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT team was called to the scene.
The mom was eventually able to leave the apartment with two children, ages 2 and 4. She was medically evaluated at the scene along with her two children and refused further medical treatment, Martinez said.
The Lake County SWAT team entered the home and observed the suspect with a 15-month-old child hiding in a bathtub and holding the baby to shield himself, Martinez said. The suspect resisted officers who were trying to place him into custody forcing an officer to deploy a taser to subdue the suspect. He was medically evaluated at the scene and transported to the Lake County Jail.
Police officers later retrieved a handgun from a vehicle registered to Wells.
Wells is a convicted felon and faces the following charges which include 15 Felonies and 2 Misdemeanors:
- Criminal Confinement with moderate bodily injury: F4 Felony
- Intimidation – Defendant draws or uses a weapon: F5 Felony (2 counts)
- Stalking: F5 Felony
- Criminal Confinement with Bodily Injury: F5 Felony
- Confinement where the victim is under 14 years of age: F5 Felony
- Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun- Prior felony conviction: F5 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent: F6 Felony (2 counts)
- Stalking: F6 Felony
- Pointing a Firearm at Another: F6 Felony
- Domestic Battery in Violation of No Contact Order: F6 Felony
- Domestic Battery Resulting in Moderate Body Injury: F6 Felony
- Domestic Battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old: F6 Felony
- Invasion of Privacy: Class A Misdemeanor
- Resisting Law Enforcement: Class A Misdemeanor
Sheriff Martinez commended the police officers for their quick response and handling of this delicate situation. “This incident is a reminder of the importance of protective orders and the need for continued support for those facing domestic violence,” Martinez said.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous relationship situation, please know that help is available. The Police Assisted Recovery Initiative Task Force (P.A.R.I.+) can help link victims in crisis with resources they may need – (219) 755-3405. As always, in case of emergency call 9-1-1.
