GREENFIELD, Ind. — An inmate at the Hancock County Jail was charged after reportedly creating multiple shanks in jail.
Keith Martinear, 35, was charged with one count of intimidation and two counts of an inmate possessing a dangerous device.
According to court documents, on Tuesday, June 18, at 5:44 p.m., an officer watched the camera for cell 5, where Martinear stayed. Authorities were watching him closely because he was upset after a phone call. As they were watching the camera, he reportedly started wrapping an unknown object in white material. He began moving the object along the floor’s metal drain, which suggested to authorities that he may be sharpening an object.
Upon arriving at the cell, corrections officials told the suspected inmate to give staff the weapon. However, Matinear reportedly refused and began to pour water over his head and at the door. He then grabbed the mattress in his cell to use as a shield. This is when officers noticed that he had two improvised weapons, one in each hand.
At this time, officers began to retrieve their tasers because he reportedly refused directives. Officers deployed their tasers, and while unsuccessful, they did cause him to lose his grip. As the struggle continued, officials eventually were able to pull the mattress out of the cell and further deploy a taser. Matinear was hit the taser in his left thigh.
While removing the wires from the taser from the inmate, Matinear began to spit on and threaten employees of the jail. Due to combative behavior, Matinear was placed in a padded cell.
Martinear was previously charged in 2023 for creating a weapon in prison.
Information will be updated as it becomes available.
