Hospitalized suspect goes to jail after discharge

“The officer, an approximately two-year veteran of THPD, entered the porch area and was immediately confronted by the agitated suspect. The suspect brandished a black revolver and according to the officer and witnesses, was told numerous times to drop the weapon, The suspect refused, causing the officer to discharge his firearm and neutralize the threat.”

--Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts

Towles/Vigo Co. Jail

Indiana State Police report this evening that a Vigo County Superior Court 1 arrest warrant on the suspect involved in the Oct. 20 police action shooting in Terre Haute was served, just after the suspect’s release from an Indianapolis hospital today.

Quintin M. Towles Jr., 25, of Terre Haute, was taken into custody on eight felony counts and incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail late this afternoon.

Towles is charged with burglary; Count 2: Criminal Recklessness; Count 3: intimidation; Count 4: Pointing a Firearm; Count 5: Pointing a Firearm; Count 6: Resisting Law Enforcement;  Count 7: Carrying a Firearm without a License; Count 8: Carrying a Handgun without a  License.

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ISP Sgt. Joe Watts explained that the suspect was shot during a confrontation with a Terre Haute Police Department officer, in which a dangerous threat was made to that officer at the scene.

“The officer, an approximately two-year veteran of THPD, entered the porch area and was immediately confronted by the agitated suspect. The suspect brandished a black revolver and according to the officer and witnesses, was told numerous times to drop the weapon,” Watts said, adding “ The suspect refused, causing the officer to discharge his firearm and neutralize the threat.”

Preliminary investigation revealed that, just before 1 a.m., Vigo County Central Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute between a man and a woman was occurring on 2118 and 2122 Cleveland Avenue in front of the residences. Seconds later, Central Dispatch received a call from a mother at 2122 Cleveland Avenue reporting at least one gunshot round entered her home through the front door. She was accompanied by her two young children. 

Investigators also believe the residents at 2118 and possibly 2122, were not involved in the initial domestic dispute, but it appears the suspect allegedly retaliated because of the call to police. 

Reportedly, Terre Haute Police Officers were dispatched to the area with the first officer arriving on scene at approximately 1:01 a.m.

"The first officer, upon exiting his patrol car, heard loud arguing between multiple persons on the enclosed porch of 2118 Cleveland Avenue," Watts said.

The final ISP report on the police action shooting is expected to be delivered to the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office late next week for their review.