Pursuit, stolen handgun mark deputy’s return from academy

Monday, November 16, 2020
Kenneth Ridge is accused of attempting to shoot at a Putnam County sheriff’s deputy Sunday before ditching the handgun.
Courtesy photos

It would be an understatement to say Deputy Nathan Trissel had an eventful first day back from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

On patrol Sunday morning on U.S. 40, Trissel observed an SUV driving at speeds in excess of 90 mph, so he attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

The suspect did not comply, and Trissel and other deputies began a pursuit that lasted about 20 minutes.

Deputy Nathan Trissel

In the process, the suspect, 42-year-old Kenneth E. Ridge of Terre Haute, apparently attempted to fire shots at Trissel’s vehicle and then tried to get rid of the gun as he fled.

The pursuit ended in southeastern Putnam County, when the suspect stopped the vehicle and fled on foot into a cornfield. A citizen notified deputies when he crossed into another field.

When officer caught up with Ridge, he allegedly let them know he was not coming easily. At this point, they deployed a taser and he was taken into custody.

Kenneth Ridge

In the course of the investigation, Ridge informed officers he had attempted to shoot at Trissel’s vehicle but the gun had malfunctioned. He subsequently took the gun apart and tried to discard it in the field.

Several deputies, both on duty and off, responded to the area and searched the cornfield for the handgun. It was recovered.

Deputies discovered the 9-mm pistol had been stolen from Terre Haute.

Ridge was booked in the Putnam County Jail at 10:03 a.m. Sunday on initial charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, criminal recklessness, intimidation, pointing a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

Sheriff Scott Stockton also told the Banner Graphic that on Sunday evening, Ridge attacked a jail staffer.

The matter will be turned over to the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges.

Ridge has a lengthy criminal history, with multiple stints with the Indiana Department of Correction for convictions such as robbery, intimidation, battery, auto theft, possession of cocaine or narcotics and possession of precursors.

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  • Like are you God? Whom are you to judge someone for how they look? That’s like me saying you must be a fairy to have that as a user name. It’s bad business for a online “NEWS COMPANY” to be ok with others bashing people not knowing anything about them or can’t defend themselves. Well I know this person and for you, you little fairy, to disrespect someone not knowing their background and how they grew up shows a lot about you and how you carry yourself.

    -- Posted by scunningham6890 on Tue, Nov 17, 2020, at 11:53 PM
  • This suspect’s intelligence is displayed in his photo. The previous commenter’s intelligence is displayed within his words. I think we have a pretty clear picture now.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Wed, Nov 18, 2020, at 1:41 AM
  • This is why we have the 1st Amendment that protects free speech.

    -- Posted by donantonio on Wed, Nov 18, 2020, at 7:42 AM
  • I'm going to add my input and say it's a good thing this individual is off the streets. He was traveling at a high rate of speed. Never has there been accidents from someone traveling too fast on the highway. He attempted to fire his gun at the police vehicle, but his gun jammed. Never has a police office lost his life from someone firing at their vehicle. He was "not coming easily". Of course all individuals with a lengthy, violent criminal past just willingly go along with the arresting officer when approached. Then, let's not forget he attacked a jail staffer. Wow! that's never happened. You all want to judge his appearance, why not judge his behavior. I know an individual with tattoos at first glance, you'd think he had a criminal past. He actually turned out to be an honest, hard working parent.

    -- Posted by MAY04 on Wed, Nov 18, 2020, at 9:09 AM
  • Good job! Great to get this POS off the street.

    -- Posted by Queen53 on Wed, Nov 18, 2020, at 11:58 AM
  • IF everybody obeyed the law( rules voted on and passed by the people we vote into office to make) maybe we wouldn't need so many police.

    -- Posted by fourjs on Wed, Nov 18, 2020, at 3:27 PM
  • None of us are perfect

    -- Posted by fourjs on Wed, Nov 18, 2020, at 3:30 PM
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