On 3.31.25 at 12:18 a.m. Wabash County 911 received a complaint from 12041 Highway 1, who stated that his step-son was intoxicated and being belligerent. Caller further stated the step-son, Lewis Wade Linder, 36, was armed. It was then reported that Linder had discharged a .45 handgun inside the residence. Next the caller stated that Linder had gone out to is vehicle, a white Audi. It was then reported that the caller had heard another "shot" outside.
When the deputy arrived a .45 caliber handgun was located in the Audi, and the deputy observed a person running from the garage into the backyard of the residence. The MCPD K9 unit arrived to assist and began to track the Linder. K9 Eleven tracked some 800 yards circling back into the thick wooded area behind the residence. The Wabash County Drone was deployed and helped pin point Linder's position which allowed the K9 unit and Sheriff's Office to take Linder into custody without incident.
Lewis Wade Linder was transported o the Wabash County Jail and issued a statement of charge for Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (class 4), Aggravated Assault -discharging a firearm (Class A), Resisting Arrest (class A), and Possession of Firearm no FOID - FOID revoked (class 4) and issued a court date of 04/14/25 at 09:00. Linder is currently held at the Wabash County Jail pending detention determination.
The use of the Wabash County Drone and the assistance of MCPD K9 Eleven and Officer Nelson were a direct result to a swift and safe resolution to this incident. We cannot thank our community partners enough for their willingness to support our work.