PIERCETON — The official charging information for the Pierceton man arrested after this weekend’s house fire in Pierceton was filed today, Jan. 15.

Shane Scott Skeens

Shane Scott Skeens, 30, 306 W. Tower St., Pierceton, is being charged with battery causing bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a level 5 felony; two counts of intimidation to a law enforcement officer, level 6 felonies; battery by bodily waste to a law enforcement officer, a level 6 felony; and resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor.

On Sunday, Jan. 13, an officer with the Pierceton Police Department responded to a battery and house fire complaint at 306 W. Tower St. When the officer arrived, an off-duty officer advised that he arrived at the scene and discovered Skeens was inside the house attempting to save his dogs. The off-duty officer identified himself and asked Skeens to exit the house via his vehicle’s PA system. Skeens did not comply but did eventually exit the house and collapse to the ground.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Skeens then stood up and started screaming at the off-duty officer. Skeens told the officer he didn’t give a f*** who he was and that he needed to get the f*** off his property. Skeens then walked toward the officer, swinging his arms in an attempt to strike him. With the help of a neighbor and a fireman, the officer was able to place handcuffs on Skeens.

Skeens then became belligerent and told the officer he was going to kill him and his entire family. While the officer was placing Skeens on the ground, Skeens bit him on the right hand and started spitting on him.

While an officer was transporting Skeens to the Kosciusko County Jail, Skeens told him that he would slit the officer’s throat from ear to ear. According to the officer, Skeens also told him that he was going to make him watch as he murdered his wife, kids and grandkids. He repeated these threats to the officer three times.

Skeens is currently being held at the Kosciusko County Jail on a $100,750 surety and cash bond.

The cause of the Sunday fire is currently under investigation.