A late afternoon at a Lafayette park turned into a police response after children told officers a woman pulled a handgun and threatened to shoot them, according to court documents.
LAFAYETTE, IN – Officers were called to Columbian Park on Sunday evening after multiple children reported a woman brandishing a gun and making threats, leading to the arrest of 31-year-old Ashley Nicole Maxwell on a series of felony charges. The incident unfolded around 5:55 p.m., when police responded to reports of an armed person in the park and began interviewing witnesses ranging in age from 7 to 14.
According to an affidavit for probable cause, the children described a woman wearing a pink bonnet and blue shirt who allegedly pulled a firearm from a fanny pack and pointed it at them. Witnesses told police the woman threatened to shoot and “blow up the park,” and in one instance warned a child she would “light him up,” police said.
Charges and arrest details
Maxwell faces multiple charges, including two counts each of intimidation with a deadly weapon and intimidation involving a threat to commit a forcible felony. She is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, unlawful carrying of a handgun, unlawful carrying of a handgun with a prior felony conviction, driving while suspended, and possession of marijuana.
Investigators said they obtained a license plate tied to the suspect’s vehicle and located it less than 20 minutes after arriving at the park. Officers conducted a traffic stop near Thompson Street and Lincoln Street, about half a mile away.
Police reported that Maxwell was driving the vehicle with six children inside and had a suspended license. Officers noted she was wearing a blue shirt and a crossbody satchel at the time of the stop.
According to the affidavit, officers detected the odor of marijuana and questioned Maxwell, who allegedly said she had a joint in her pocket.
Search leads to firearm recovery
During booking at the Tippecanoe County Jail, officers found a pink bonnet in Maxwell’s pocket, consistent with the description provided by witnesses, police said.
As part of the investigation, officers later obtained a search warrant for a residence linked to Maxwell. A man at the home initially denied access and told officers they “were not getting into his safe,” according to the affidavit.
After securing the warrant, police reported finding ammunition and firearm accessories inside the home. Investigators then located a black grocery bag in the backyard containing a Taurus GC2 9 mm handgun, magazines, a holster, two cellphones, and additional ammunition.
Police allege Maxwell had contacted someone at the residence and asked them to hide the weapon and ammunition outside.
Maxwell is being held in the Tippecanoe County Jail on a $200,000 surety bond and a $20,000 cash bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 17.
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