Homeowner arrested in shooting of contractor

PUTNAMVILLE -- A 59-year-old rural Cloverdale man is facing four felony charges in connection with the March 25 shooting of a contractor who had been working on his property in southwestern Putnam County.

After his arrest Thursday by Indiana State Police officers, Robert E. Young is being held at the Putnam County Jail on charges of:

Robert E. Young

-- Attempted voluntary manslaughter, a Level 2 felony punishable by 10-30 years in prison.

-- Aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony punishable by 3-16 years in prison.

-- Criminal Confinement, another Level 3 felony.

-- Pointing a firearm, a Level 6 felony, punishable by 1-6 years in prison.

An initial hearing was expected for Young Friday via video conference before Judge Matt Headley in Putnam Circuit Court.

Under Indiana law, felonies above Level 6 require the perpetrator to serve 75 percent of the imposed sentence. If convicted of all charges, Young could face as much as 52 years in prison.

Indiana State Police brought Young to the Putnamville Post for additional questioning late Thursday afternoon and arrested him shortly thereafter following nearly two weeks of investigation into the shooting of Jeffrey Dewayne Perkins, 59, of rural Greencastle.

The incident occurred at Young's 7645 S. State Road 243 residence west of Cloverdale.

Jeffrey Dewayne Perkins, of rural Greencastle, was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital after suffering what authorities said was a small-caliber gunshot wound to his head in an incident that took place about 4 p.m. Friday, March 25.

During the investigation ISP Det. Don Anglin was able to determine that a disturbance over scaffolding Perkins was trying to retrieve after working on the suspect's property resulted in Young allegedly discharging a 9-millimeter handgun in the direction of a 2002 Chevrolet pickup driven by Perkins.

The round traveled through the rear window, striking Perkins in the head. Perkins was reportedly attempting to leave the property when the event occurred.

Perkins was listed in serious condition Thursday at St. Vincent Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Assisting in the case have been ISP detectives First Sgt. Jason Fajt, Sgt. Sam Stearley and Michael Featherling, as well as Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter