JENNINGS COUNTY – A 12-hour standoff with an armed, wanted man in rural Jennings County came to an end on Thursday afternoon when the suspect took his life, according to Indiana State Police (ISP).
The incident began shortly after midnight when the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office responded to a rural residence on County Road 550W in western Jennings County, after receiving reports that Cory D. Jenkins, 38, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants was there.
When deputies arrived, Jenkins barricaded himself inside the residence, allegedly holding family members against their will while in possession of a firearm, according to authorities. At one point, Jenkins reportedly fired a gun, although no one was injured.
Three family members were eventually able to get to safety by climbing out of a window. Troopers and deputies say a fourth person inside the home with Jenkins was later allowed to leave.
ISP SWAT, Jennings County SWAT, and crisis negotiators responded. Law enforcement said negotiators spoke with the man for 12 hours trying to get him to leave the house peacefully. The incident ended shortly after noon when Jenkins died by suicide, according to state police.
Detectives with the ISP-Versailles Post are conducting a death investigation.