STEUBEN CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – An Angola man is facing charges of battery against a public safety official after what began as a routine traffic stop Saturday night.
According to Indiana State Police, around 11:30 p.m., Aaron J. Sylvia, 40, was stopped on County Road 275 N, near County Road 85 W, by an Indiana State Trooper for a speeding violation.
During the stop, the trooper asked for a K9 to search the vehicle for drugs. When Sylvia was asked to get out of the car, he became combative and resistant, hitting two troopers with multiple kicks and punches, according to ISP officials.
Troopers tried to tase Sylvia, but it was not effective. Another trooper also engaged in a physical altercation with Sylvia. Sylvia was subdued after multiple other agency officers arrived to help.
Indiana State Police released the following:
Late Saturday night at approximately 11:30pm, Indiana State Police Trooper Ben Walker conducted a traffic on a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe passenger vehicle on CR275N near CR85W, Steuben County for an observed speeding violation. During the course of the traffic stop, Trooper Walker requested assistance from Steuben County Sheriff Department Corporal Alex Harris (K9 unit) based a reasonable suspicion that required a narcotics K9 to conduct an open air search.
After the arrival of the K9 unit, Trooper Walker requested the driver, Aaron J. Sylvia, 40, of Angola, to exit the vehicle to further the investigation. Sylvia is then alleged to have resisted exiting the vehicle, rather he become extremely combative and resistant, striking both Walker and Harris with multiple punches and kicks. A Taser device was employed by Cpl Harris, but was not effective. Trooper Dan Burkey arrived on scene and also became engaged in the physical altercation to restrain Sylvia. Multiple other agency officers also arrived on scene and Sylvia was then subsequently restrained.
After being transported to a local area hospital for medical evaluation and clearance, Sylvia was then transported to the Steuben County jail where he was booked into custody on several felony and misdemeanor related charges.
Arrested: Aaron J. Sylvia, 40, Angola, Indiana
Charges:
Battery Against a Public Safety Official, Level 6 Felony
Battery Against Public Safety Official Engaged in Official Duty, Level 6 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement, Level A Misdemeanor
Possession Controlled Substance, Level B Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia, Level C Misdemeanor
Troopers Walker and Burkey, and Corporal Harris all received injuries which were medically evaluated and released without the need for further medical attention.
Trooper Walker was assisted at the scene by several troopers from the Fort Wayne Post, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Angola PD, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Countryside Towing Service.
*The above charges are preliminary at this point, with the final determination of charges to be filed at the discretion of the Steuben County Prosecutor’s Office. All criminal suspects are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
