Staff Report

Jacob Wesley Elmore

WARSAW — A teenager was arrested after allegedly shooting a man on the west side of Warsaw on Thursday afternoon, May 23.

Jacob Wesley Elmore, 18, 1436 S. Oak St., Warsaw, is charged with robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 2 felony; and aggravated battery, a level 3 felony.

On May 23, law enforcement responded to a shooting at a residence on Rosemont Avenue in Warsaw. The shooting victim, Blane Neer, 22, Warsaw, was conscious and breathing at the scene. Elmore was identified as the shooter and fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

Neer spoke with Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith and KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand at the scene. According to court documents, Neer said he was inside a vehicle and tried to get out when he was shot in the back.

Neer was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne and underwent surgery for his injuries, as the bullet did not exit his body. As of May 24, Neer was listed as stable in the intensive care unit.

A woman in the residence said she was present when Elmore, Neer, and a man arrived at the home. The man came into the home while Neer and Elmore stayed outside. She said they heard a gunshot outside and saw Neer on the ground and Elmore leaving the scene in a vehicle. The man then jumped in his vehicle and followed Elmore.

A short time later, the man returned to the scene and told officers he met with Elmore at a local golf course and took possession of the firearm.

After initially fleeing the scene, Elmore changed course and turned himself into law enforcement.

A KCSO detective later spoke with Neer while he was hospitalized. Neer said Elmore pulled out a gun, pointed it at him, and told him to “give me everything in your pocket.” Neer said he slapped the firearm away and attempted to jump out of the vehicle when Elmore shot him.

Elmore has pending criminal charges in Kosciusko County for narcotic drug, marijuana, and paraphernalia possession.

Elmore was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on May 23.