Man, 80, in jail for allegedly hitting officer at ISU event

Hudson/Vigo Co. Jail

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

During a recent speaker series event held at Tilson Auditorium on Indiana State University's campus, police allege an 80-year-old man became combative wthen approached about a pocket knife he was holding.

Claude F. Hudson, of  Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for felony  battery with bodily injury to a public safety officer ---the day after Elizibeth Smart spoke to an audience at the event.

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According to the report, an ISU police officer noticed the suspect behaving suspiciously befrore advancing in a line for a book signing. When questioned by the officer, Hudson allegedly punched him several times.

Smart, 29, is a former kidnapping victim turned child safety activist. She was abducted from her Salt Lake City, Utah home at 14 and held captive for nine months. Her book, My Story, details her personal experiece in the ordeal and discusses The Elizabeth Smart Foundation mission.

Hudson appeared in  Vigo Superior Court 5 yesterday where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. Records show he has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior conviction for attempted murder.

Judge Michael Rader ordered a mental health examination and he was appointed a public defender. 
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Hudson remains held on $25,000 bond, no 10 percent allowed.