Man injured during Tuesday night standoff identified

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

GREENCASTLE -- A Greencastle man was injured Tuesday night when he fell, causing a firearm he was carrying to discharge.

Andrew Fenwick, 19, was riding with Putnam County Sheriff's Department officers when they were called to a domestic disturbance. Fenwick apparently tried to climb down a creek embankment and slipped while the situation was underway.

The gun he was carrying went off, and a bullet struck Fenwick in the upper thigh.

Putnam County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Doug Nally said civilians often ride along with officers as observers, which was what Fenwick was doing. In order to do such a ride-along, civilians are required to sign waivers releasing the sheriff's department from any liability in the event the civilian is injured or killed.

Nally said the bullet that struck Fenwick "nicked a non-major artery and didn't hit any bone."

"It was an accidental shooting," Nally said.

Nally said he is not certain why Fenwick was carrying a firearm.

Although rumors were circulating that Fenwick shot himself three times, Nally said Fenwick sustained only one gunshot wound.

Fenwick was airlifted from the scene to Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis. Early Wednesday afternoon, a hospital spokesperson said Fenwick remained in the hospital's recovery area and that he was listed in fair condition.

Fenwick was riding with sheriff's department officers when they were called to 3139 S. C.R. 500E, Greencastle, around 7 p.m. The call was for a "domestic disturbance with reported injuries," Nally said.

When officers arrived at the scene, John Marsee, 47, had apparently barricaded himself in his home. His wife, who was found outside the home, had left the residence and no one else was with him.

Nally said Marsee's wife was injured and that she told officers "her injuries were due to a fight between her and John."

"As the night progressed, negotiators were keeping in contact with John via cell phones in an attempt to get him to come out of the residence and avoid anyone getting injured," Nally said. "(Marsee) was seen throughout the night with weapons in hand and had made numerous threats over the cell phones to any officer that attempted to approach the residence that he would shoot them."

Marsee was arrested without incident at about 12:20 a.m. He was booked into the Putnam County Jail at 1:03 a.m. and was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony intimidation, a jail representative said. As of Wednesday afternoon, Marsee remained in jail and had not yet had an initial hearing.

Marsee's sister, Jennalu Manley, said she witnessed the entire incident. She called the volume of officers that responded "overkill."

"It was a circus," she said. "My brother and his wife had a fight. My brother was sitting in his house and wouldn't come out. He was sitting on his couch drinking a beer. Since when is that a crime?"

Manley wanted to make it very clear that Marsee "never once fired a shot, at an officer or himself."

"My brother was in distress, and this situation just made things worse," Manley said. "He was arrested, but not for shooting anyone."

Nally verified that no shots were fired as a direct result of the incident.

Members of the Putnam County Emergency Response Team, which also includes officers from the Greencastle Police Department, also responded to the scene.

"The accidental shooting that took place during this event is still under investigation as we piece together all the information," Nally said. "The injuries (Fenwick) sustained are not life-threatening or severe in nature."

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  • Was a Gun Permit in Andrews Possession? Has there been other times the police were called for disturbances here? If so maybe the response was necessary. Looks like a little more training is needed for our response team, at least a Good Review with some outside experts.

    -- Posted by macvrod on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 2:13 PM
  • why exactly is a civilian on a ride along carrying a gun?!

    -- Posted by diaspora on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 2:22 PM
  • Now everyone can calm down. The story of what happen last night has been told. No one really got hurt except the person that was riding with the police. I agree, there was too much response from the law inforcement. I believe all was needed was a couple of police cars to respond and talk to the guy that had a fight with his wife. I was there on that road at 7:15pm and was waiting to get through with no help from anyone except from some boys that were nearby to help out. I also came by that road at 11:40pm on US 40 and the police still had the road blocked off. The police were there on the scene before 7:30pm.

    -- Posted by Stuckontheroad on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 2:24 PM
  • Sounds bad for our Sheriff's office again. Why was Andrew FENWICK riding is he on the department and let's see the gun permit!! Just think HE couldv'e accidently shot someone besides himself. Smells fishy to me.

    Marsee having a fight with his wife. Is this cuz he was trying to stragler her? If so this is not a little fight at all. Was it smart for him to be drinking a beer when this was going on? Come on people COMMON SENSE!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by coltsfan25 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 2:36 PM
  • I was Southbound on CR 500E at approx 6:50 pm, I had to stop due to a State Police vehicle stopped with lights on, a white Dodge pickup with passenger side door open, and a young man running down the road to the first house South of the area. Within 20 minutes I observed to other police units, (lights and sirens) in route they time does seem a bit suspect.

    -- Posted by ISF-C/O on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 3:03 PM
  • We are all so focused on the young man being in the car, I am sure this will be dealt with by the proper authorities. What we should focus on is the result on the police action. Why do we question the amount of officers there, when we should be grateful that they were there. Who knows what could have happened. We are quick to judge, when we should appreciate what they risk for us.

    -- Posted by Peacegirl on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 3:24 PM
  • I can possibly understand the response when a gun is involved and not knowing what the actual call might involve. But, look at the response to a small fender-bender in the Greencastle area. Several police and sheriff cars lining the road causing more problems than the accident. It is a big joke in the office. Don't get me wrong. I respect them for the job that they all do but how about some communication before everyone in the county shows up for one small accident.

    -- Posted by Questions on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 3:47 PM
  • This is the Marsee daughters..we would appreciate it if you would stop making false comments about what happend at our house last night. Unless you were here last night or a close family friend or family memeber, we would like for you to stop talking about us and our family. This is a family issue NOT a putnam county/greencastle gossip center!! What happend here is no ones business except for ours and we would appreciate it if everyone would just stop talking about it...we are having a hard enough time the way it is, we dont need to get on the banner graphic website and see people talking about us and our family! Have some respect!!

    Thanks,

    Karissa and Kassie Marsee

    -- Posted by sweetheart2008 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 3:47 PM
  • Marsee Girls, Keep your heads high. WE who know you all, know its been rough. I have been worried about you both. IGNORE what the ignorant people of putnam co say. Its easy to speak poorly of someone else instead of themselves. How about you people in Putnam county offer these girls and their family some support instead of the crap that is being slung around. Your horse friend!!!

    -- Posted by FEDUP! on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 4:12 PM
  • oh and by the way the dude whose own gun went off and shot himself in the leg.....i think we have enough barnie fife's on the police dept. Keep him away from police action. why is everyone so focuse on him anyway?! he should be embarassed!!!

    -- Posted by FEDUP! on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 4:15 PM
  • Wow.... People really amaze me!!! Thee who without sin cast the first stone!!! No one knows from one day to the next what may or may not happen... Life sometimes gets way out of control! It is NOT for US to judge! That is Gods job in the end!!!! We are to love and pray for one another and show a little RESPECT!!!! You never know when "YOU" may end up the next one in the "GOSSIP" center!!!! NO ONE'S PERFECT!!!! NO NOT ONE!!!!! SO SHUT UP!!!!!!

    -- Posted by Friend4Ever! on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 4:41 PM
  • Hey do hair maybe you souldn't judge someone elses household! You have no idea you may end up in our situation someday and to be completely honest you have no right telling us how to run our household. You don't know the full situation and NO ONE execpt for the 4 people who live here know. So you can stop your judging right now. And even tho the police were called to my house that doesnt automatically mean that we become greencastle gossip!! Please mind your OWN business!! There is no need for you to talk about us!! Thank you!!

    -- Posted by sweetheart2008 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 5:03 PM
  • People cry when the police show up and cry when they don't show up! The police can't win! I bet you will appricate them when they save one of your love ones! But until you need them, forget them, right?

    -- Posted by racer1 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 5:07 PM
  • WoW! I am truely amazed how everyone can be concerned for the kid who shot himself and for everything else that went on that night, but what about his wife? Doesn't she deserve some respect and concern here? After all it was his wife who was hurt!!! I thank god for the police and everyone who helped!!! Hang in there marsee girls!!!

    -- Posted by Coltsfan71 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 5:32 PM
  • Hey dohair....Were you personally involved in this? NO! Then keep you remarks to yourself. You have no idea and no reason to judge anyone!! The last I checked...you werent' God.

    -- Posted by Coltsfan71 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 5:53 PM
  • Did we all not read the same article? Andrew was riding with the deputy, so what? You can ride with a deputy if you want to at pretty much anytime... But more importantly, why is this the issue!!?? We should be concerned about his well being and the privacy and rights of Mr Marsee's family. Yes there was a domestic but without knowing what was going on in that house I don't believe anyone has a right to rudely comment about his family. Was it overkill that so many officers responded... probably, but if they hadn't and something went down you all would of complained about the officers not being there!! My thoughts are with Andrew and his family and John and his family....

    -- Posted by WTFRUthinkin on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 5:57 PM
  • What is the relationship from the kid with the Sheriff?

    -- Posted by GreencastleMom2009 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 6:02 PM
  • Could we all please stop talking about poor andrew and concentrate on the marsee family. They all need our prayers right now. The focus should be on them, not the police force.

    -- Posted by Coltsfan71 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 6:11 PM
  • You know, the more I think about this, the more I am worried that the department allowed this kid to carry a gun. What is he doing when he is riding? When an officer is on a traffic stop, is he out of the car? Or is he sitting there dry-firing his pistol out of the window to practice for when he becomes a cop?

    Nothing good can come of this... wow...

    -- Posted by GreencastleMom2009 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 6:18 PM
  • The truth hurts!

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 6:44 PM
  • Marsee family I just want you to know I have been thinking of all of you. Your family always seemed really close with a mom and dad that would do anything for their kids. I know your family has lots of love for each other. Every family has problems some are just lucky to keep it behind closed doors. Hold your heads up it'll get better. I hope everything works out for all of you!

    -- Posted by bg7575 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 7:21 PM
  • I have known the Marsees for a very long time. I know for a fact that John Marsee would do anything to help a person out and he has passed that on to his girls. John and Kelly are good people and sometimes we have a bad day. We have no idea what was and is going on in that house. Lets give them some peace and leave them alone. John Marsee is a good man and would be proud that his girls are sticking up for his family. Our prayers are with your family.

    -- Posted by familygirl on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 8:21 PM
  • It's unfortunate that some people would like to pass judgement on the Marsees. They have enough to worry about. Let them move on as a family and not be required to have their lives dissected in our local fish wrap. Mo Fenwick shoots himself during a ride along. Wearing a bullet proof vest? Personal weapon or one provided by his dad the Sherriff? Maybe Nally gave it to him? Permit to carry or special privelege for being deputy dog's pup?

    -- Posted by Vernie1 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 9:22 PM
  • For those of you who know my family you know we are all very close and we love each other very much! Yes things happen..no one is perfect! My sister and I will always stick up for our family no matter what because thats what family does. Our Mother is fine we have been with her all day..we are still waiting to hear about our dad. We would appreciate it once again if those of you that have negative comments about our family to please keep those comments to yourself, this is none of your concern so it would be best if you didnt say anything. My sister and I are having a very difficult time and would rather not have to read all the disrespectful things you have to say. We are a family that love each other but by no means are we perfect..no one is! We are doing the best we can. We are relying on God to help us through this as much as possible. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers!!

    Karissa and Kassie Marsee

    -- Posted by sweetheart2008 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 9:38 PM
  • Yea poor Andrew!! He got shot in the leg for cryin out loud and no he didn't shoot himself stupid!! I agree that people shouldn't disrespect the family that was involved and hope things get better for them and their mom is ok but Andrew is in the hospital and needs the prayers too!

    -- Posted by nefarious on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 9:57 PM
  • Marsee Family- I pray that things settle down and that everyone shuts up and leaves you all alone- Your dad is a good man - i do not know your mom or you guys but know you are great people and wil lget thru this- ignore the ignorant- they have nothing better to do .

    -- Posted by talkymom3 on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 10:16 PM
  • Good men do not hit their wifes period. The family may very well love one another but Mr. Marsee is not setting a very good example for his kids getting the cops called on himself, and not for the first time.

    I have a hard time beleiving if this were another family that the Marsee family would not be doing their share of gossiping or talking about it. So suck it up! Move on and don;t worry about what others think because they are always going to think what they want about you anyway.

    -- Posted by dcsaiht on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 11:05 PM
  • Karissa and Kassie, first of all Jan and I love you both very much, Kelly? We love you too and yes we love John as well. As your pastor, dad and grandpa I want you all to know that nothing worth having will come to you without a battle. Do not listen to everything folks are saying about your parents or yourself. There cannot be a fight without two sides and yes there was only one perfect man that walked upon the face of the earth. And it is that very man that you all need to turn to in this battle you are engaged in. HE and only he can mend a broken heart, mend a broken home and at the same time love those who are hurting. We are here for you all. Take the prayers of your friends and those offering them. Throw the other things being said to the side and go on. You will always be a close family because you have worked very hard to be just that. John needs help not criticized. Remember where your help comes from...a man or a woman is the strongest when they are on their knees talking to God....Love you all so much and I'm just a phone call away....hugs

    -- Posted by pastortony on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 11:48 PM
  • You Know I don't know anyone involved but pastortony is the most correct e-mail I have read. Domestic violence can now days be a grab on the arm to stop someone from leaving. I don't know who did what or what they did and as it was said is none of my business. I do know 2 young girls have asked a county of readers for respect them their family and they should get it. The folks at Grace Tabenacle are praying for all involved especially the innocent girls.

    -- Posted by c1991 on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 12:35 AM
  • First of all, lets just say I'm glad the wife was NOT hurt seriously! Some people need to look into their own closets and clean em out before judging or commenting on others!I am amazed that a young man was allowed to ride with a TRAINED officer of our county, with loaded gun, and taken to a emergency call and ALLOWED to get involved in the first place.I think the police department needs to reprimand the officer involved, and rethink their 'rider priveleges.' Maybe the young man needs to take a 'safety' course and of course, keep his gun on safety.....lucky no one was killed by our county officers neglicence!!

    -- Posted by Nona on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 5:34 AM
  • Substance abuse shows no mercy,period!

    -- Posted by kubotafan on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 6:19 AM
  • Putnam Co. wake up...A miss fire of a gun can happen to ANYONE! It is irrelevant that he is a "kid" or the Sheriffs son, or not employed by the sheriffs dept. I'm just thankful he is ok.And Marsee family I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Just remember Putnam Co. is a place of little excitement and those with no life thrive on others misfortunes because they have nothing better to do. My thoughts are with both familys!

    -- Posted by mjc0825 on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 6:31 AM
  • Marsee family,

    None of this would be in the newspaper if it weren't for the neglegence of the police department.

    The fact that a civilian was carrying a gun and apparently participating in the "action" is what brought your family's misfortune to light.

    Unfortunately for you, the civilian is connected and that is drawing his supporters out and they bash you to draw attention away from Lil Andy.

    This too shall pass and I hope peace finds your family in all matters public and private.

    -- Posted by chaplair on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 7:19 AM
  • I feel bad for this family but what these girls need to understand is that the minute you invite the police into your lives, your "family business" becomes public record and people WILL talk about it. It's human nature. What I really find appalling is that this 19 year old "civillian" is riding around in a cop car carrying a gun. That's just wrong, I don't care how many waivers he signs or who he is related to. Innocent people get injured or killed by this kind of stupidity. The sheriff's department needs to put an end to that practice!!!

    -- Posted by '74tiger on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 8:12 AM
  • Seriously people how many domestic cases do you think go on in a day here in Greencastle; quite a bit more than people think, the only reason this is such a big deal is because of the sheriffs son shooting himself in the leg; other than that this would have never been made into such a big deal. Everyone needs to look at the BIG picture here, why did he even have a gun and better yet why was he outside of the car if he's not any part of the sheriffs department or been through all his training?? And clearly he's not figured out how to work his gun so clearly he shouldn't have been in this situation. They have a safety on them and the only way they go off is if you pull the trigger; guns just don't fire off and if he was walking through the creek and up steep embankments than why did he even have the gun out yet?? I realize that civilians can drive around with officers and that's all of our departments own stupidity but when others ride around with an officer they're NOT permitted to get out of the car at any kind of traffic stop or anything else for that matter, so why was this any different; because he's the sheriffs son?? Then he was airlifted; if that would have been anyone else they would have just been sent in an ambulance to Putnam County Hospital. Think about it people!!!!

    -- Posted by JDG1980 on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 1:26 PM
  • Totally agree... the issue is not the call, as you stated.

    It is the fact, as you stated, that he had his gun out, and acting in the capacity of a deputy, due to the fact he was with them on this call and they didn't object to him being there.

    What if a gun was drawn by a person at the house in a hostile situation, and deputies were forced to pull their guns until the threat was over? Would the rider have been pointing his already-unholstered gun at the suspect as well? Does he have the training to not have his finger on the trigger until warranted? Or to shoot or not to shoot training? Would he have fired first?

    All of these questions are really not important since he took himself out of the picture early, sadly, but where would his involvement stopped? Those unknown questions would have to be asked in my mind...

    -- Posted by GreencastleMom2009 on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 1:36 PM
  • You know, ultimately the person resposible for this mess is the one who alledgely beat his wife, causing the "Family" to call the Police. They just don't show up for the fun of it. As far as the accidental shooting goes it was a tragic accident and am sure will be the starting point of new departmental policies.

    -- Posted by hardtobelieve on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 2:17 PM