(7-13-23 Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced the arrest of Leonard Delong Jr. (36) of Van Wert, for Making Terroristic Threats, a Felony of the 3rd Degree. The arrest was the result of an investigation by deputies involving threatening statements made by Delong to Van Wert County Corrections Staff that he was going to set the Correctional Facility on fire if demands were not met to speak to an inmate.

Sheriff Riggenbach advised that at approximately 8:13 p.m. Deputies arrived at Delong’s residence to arrest Delong. Deputies observed Delong outside however, he fled back inside before they were able to do so. Deputies attempted to establish communications with Delong, but he refused to communicate with deputies for some time.

Deputies established a perimeter and obtained a search warrant to search the residence for Delong. Based on Delong’s behavior and conversations with him early in the day the Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Van Wert City Police Department and their Special Response Team. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was also called to assist at the scene. Deputies were able to establish intermittent communications with Delong through a family member. Prior to tactical operations taking place by the Van Wert City Police Special Response Team, a VWPD Officer speaking with Delong through his attorney, via phone, was able to have Delong surrender peacefully.

Delong was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility where he is being held until arraignment in Van Wert Municipal Court.

Sheriff Riggenbach would like to thank the Van Wert City Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and members of the public that assisted in bringing this situation to a peaceful resolution.