Dubois County Woman Arrested After Armed Hostage Threat at Ferdinand Home

A caller told Dubois County authorities she was homicidal, had a firearm, and was holding three hostages inside a rural Ferdinand home Friday afternoon. What unfolded over the next several hours drew deputies, gas deployment, a police drone, and an Indiana State Police SWAT team to 10598 S. 50 W before Jamie Gonzalez was finally taken into custody on two outstanding felony warrants.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:15 p.m. after receiving the female caller's report. Upon arrival, they secured the area and established a perimeter while assessing the situation. Residents near St. Henry observed a heavy law enforcement presence in the area as the standoff developed.

The scene escalated quickly. Gonzalez walked outside carrying a glass jar filled with liquid that officers stated they believed resembled a Molotov cocktail. She refused commands, poured the liquid over herself, and then returned inside the residence. Officers subsequently attempted to deploy gas into the home in an effort to prompt her to exit safely, but those efforts were unsuccessful and she refused to come outside.

To gain a clearer picture of what was happening inside, deputies broke a window and deployed a small drone into the residence. Deputy Hanselman operated the drone, which showed Gonzalez alone inside the home, yelling to herself, according to officials. The drone footage directly contradicted the caller's claim that three hostages were inside, though authorities have not confirmed whether the hostage claim was fully ruled out following the SWAT team's later entry.

Because of the circumstances, the Indiana State Police SWAT Team was called to assist. The team made entry into the residence and encountered Gonzalez inside. She resisted officers and was tased before being taken into custody. She was then transferred to assisting officers and escorted to a staged ambulance for medical evaluation.

Officials confirmed Gonzalez was taken into custody on two outstanding felony warrants. The Dubois County Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.