Suspect pepper sprayed, K9 released, and bomb squad called following break in through window

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- The Starke County Sheriff's Office reports deputies responded to the 6000-north block of 1100 East regarding an unwanted man who had entered a home forcefully through a window on Sunday around 11:40 p.m.

Authorities say once inside the home, the man started waving an alleged firearm and breaking items.

He then left the residence in an unknown direction.

While enroute to the scene, a Starke County Sheriff’s deputy spotted him traveling west on U.S. 30 without any headlights.

The deputy then activated his emergency lights to stop the vehicle, which turned into the Grovertown truck stop on U.S. 30.

Deputies attempted to speak with the man, but he was uncooperative.

Authorities also believed he was in possession of several weapons in the vehicle.

For about two hours deputies say they made several unsuccessful attempts to get the man to exit the vehicle.

At this time, deputies deployed pepper spray to gain compliance while still giving verbal commands and K9 announcements. Deputies say this was also unsuccessful.

After not complying, a Marshall County Sheriff’s deputy deployed his K9 to subdue the subject.

The man, identified as 30-year-old Richard Maher III of Bremen, was then taken into custody without incident, and taken to Northwest Health Hospital to be treated for his injuries. 

Authorities then say due to possible explosive material inside the vehicle, the South Bend Bomb Squad was called in. 

While awaiting their arrival, Starke County Sheriff’s explosive K9 dog Csufi was deployed to conduct a sweep of the vehicle and indicated a positive alert for the odor of explosive materials.

The bomb squad and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms division (ATF) then arrived on scene and took custody of the evidence inside the vehicle.

For the safety of the public, the Grovertown truck stop remained closed until the scene was deemed safe.

Maher was taken into custody on preliminary charges of domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, intimidation, and residential entry charges.

Additional charges are expected once the investigation is complete.  Charges are determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.