BREAKING NEWS: Jennings County Jail Officer Arrested After Firing Shots While Standing on Hood of Car
North Vernon, IN – In a shocking and chaotic turn of events, a corrections officer with the Jennings County Jail was arrested late Tuesday evening after allegedly standing on the hood of a car and firing a weapon multiple times in a residential neighborhood. The incident has stunned the local community and sparked a swift investigation by both the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police.
According to authorities, the officer—identified as 34-year-old Michael Trent, a five-year veteran of the department—was off duty at the time of the incident. Witnesses say the event unfolded just after 9:45 p.m. on Maple Street, when residents reported hearing shouting followed by a series of gunshots.
“He was yelling something we couldn’t make out, then climbed on top of the car and just started firing into the air,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It was terrifying. We all hit the floor and called 911.”
Police arrived on the scene within minutes and took Trent into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported, but several shell casings were recovered, and at least one bullet was later found lodged in a nearby garage door.
Authorities confirmed that Trent was carrying his personal firearm, not a department-issued weapon. He was arrested on multiple preliminary charges, including criminal recklessness with a firearm, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held without bond at a neighboring county detention center, pending a formal court appearance.
The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office released a brief statement Wednesday morning:
“We are aware of the arrest of one of our employees, Michael Trent, in connection to a serious off-duty incident. We are fully cooperating with the Indiana State Police investigation and have placed Mr. Trent on immediate administrative leave pending further review. We take this matter extremely seriously and will ensure full accountability.”
Further details about Trent’s behavior prior to the incident remain under investigation, though early reports suggest that alcohol may have been a factor. A toxicology screening is pending.
Jennings County residents and local officials have expressed outrage and concern over the incident. County Commissioner Lori Whitman called the situation “deeply troubling” and said the public deserves both transparency and assurance that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“This was reckless and dangerous. We are incredibly fortunate that no one was hurt,” Whitman said. “We expect our public servants, especially those in law enforcement, to uphold the law—not endanger the public.”
Neighbors told reporters that Trent had never shown any signs of erratic behavior in the past, but some noted he had recently appeared “stressed” and “withdrawn.”
The Indiana State Police have taken over the investigation and will determine whether further charges, including potential federal violations, are warranted.
As the community reels from the shock, the sheriff’s department has also confirmed it will conduct an internal review of its hiring and wellness screening protocols for officers.
More updates are expected in the coming days as the legal process unfolds.
