HANCOCK COUNTY — A domestic disturbance turned into an hours-long ordeal involving the county tactical team that ended with a suspect in the hospital after he apparently shot himself.
Sheriff’s deputies were called shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, to a residence in the 4400 block of Fortville Pike on a report of a dispute between a man and a woman involving a handgun, according a news release from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
A woman who emerged from the home told deputies a man who was still inside was armed and that he had pointed a gun at her and threatened to shoot her, the news release said.
Deputies tried repeatedly over several hours to contact the man, Brian Abney, 40. Finally, members of the Hancock County Joint Tactical Team entered the home and found Abney conscious and alert but suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to an Indianapolis-area hospital for treatment. He was listed in stable condition early today (Friday, Dec. 11).
In all, the standoff lasted more than eight hours.
The sheriff’s department has referred the case to the Hancock County prosecutor’s office and is seeking charges of pointing a firearm, intimidation and confinement.
