Ryan M. Austin

WARSAW — Ryan M. Austin, 38, 26 EMS B39W Lane, Leesburg, was sentenced for intimidation, a level 6 felony, after he became enraged and threatened to kill an officer. Austin was also sentenced on a habitual offender enhancement.

Austin was arrested Dec. 20, 2015, after a Warsaw Police Officer responded to a battery complaint. When the officer located Austin, he appeared intoxicated. Austin was arrested on a warrant.

According to the affidavit, jail officers assisted in removing Austin from the patrol vehicle and then, due to his belligerence, placed him in a restraint chair. Austin then allegedly threatened an officer, stating, “Hey cop, I’m not going to jail forever. You are dead.” He then proceeded to state numerous times he would kill one of the officers present.

The affidavit stated that officers spoke with individuals who noted Austin had forcibly removed a woman from his vehicle on an unknown date while giving her a ride home. The woman allegedly inquired why he had made a wrong turn when Austin stopped the vehicle, got out, and pulled her out of the car by her hair. The woman reportedly attempted to flee when he caught her and proceeded to smash her phone.

Austin was already facing intimidation charges in a second cause. On the evening of Oct. 19, 2015, Austin reportedly made threats against a manager at Lucky’s Tavern, North Webster, after being asked to leave for attempting to a flip a table. Austin was reportedly heard threatening to assault a former girlfriend as well stating he would slit the throat of the acting manager. Austin proceeded to warn the manager she should remember him as he would be back to “get her.”

In Superior Court I April 6, Austin told the court that he was angry after the manager at Lucky’s accused him of intimidation. Austin advises that the claims were false and he became very angry for several months that he was facing charges. This cause was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Austin further made allegations of rough handling by officers on the Dec. 20 arrest, stating that he became enraged and resisted. He admitted that he should have cooperated, but felt that he would be subjugated to harsh conditions after having negative interactions with officers during previous arrests.

“To be honest, I’ve had enough,” Austin told Judge David Cates. “I haven’t gotten into trouble for almost two years…I’m a parent to five kids,” explained Austin, stating he was ready to get his life on track.

Cates showed little mercy after looking at Austin’s pre-sentence investigation. “Your history is substantial, on-going and long term.”

Cates sentenced Austin to two years at the Indiana Department of Corrections for the charge of intimidation, and another four years, served consecutively, for the habitual offender enhancement. Two of those four years were suspended. Cates did not order probation.