(Garrett, IN) 9-12-23 – Yesterday afternoon at approximately 12:15pm, troopers from the Fort Wayne Post attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant on John C. Costanzo (59) at his residence in the 100 block of Hamsher Street, Garrett, IN.

Troopers located Costanzo at his apartment building, but he refused to cooperate with the arrest and then barricaded himself in his residence.  Based on information that Costanzo was armed and dangerous, the ISP North SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiators were called in to resolve the situation. 

The Garrett school district announced dismissal was delayed for many students.

An email (see a portion below) was sent to families in the Garrett Keyser Butler district said there was an “active situation” that delayed dismissal of the schools. Schools were not under an official lockdown, and students being picked up by parents and guardians were allowed to leave, but buses were not dropping off students and student drivers were being kept at the schools.

“Due to an active situation in the city of Garrett, and out of an abundance of caution, Garrett Keyser Butler schools will only be releasing students directly to parents/guardians. At this time, our buses will not be dropping off students and our student drivers and walkers will not be released.Portion of an email sent to families in the school system

“Due to an active situation in the city of Garrett, and out of an abundance of caution, Garrett Keyser Butler schools will only be releasing students directly to parents/guardians. At this time, our buses will not be dropping off students and our student drivers and walkers will not be released.

“We apologize for any inconvenience, rest assured that your students are safe within our school building and we will continue to keep you updated,” the email read.

After a three and a half hour standoff with Costanzo, ISP SWAT made entry into the residence and took him into custody without further incident.  Costanzo was secured and transported from his residence up to the Steuben County Jail.  He was booked into custody based on the related felony arrest warrant charge(s).

Arrested:    John C. Costanzo, 59, Garrett, IN

Charges:     Felony Arrest Warrant (Steuben County)

*Charges pending from today’s incident:   

Resisting Law Enforcement, (A) Misdemeanor, pending with DeKalb County Prosecutor.

This is an active investigation.

ISP Detectives and Troopers from the Fort Wayne Post were assisted by ISP North SWAT, ISP Crisis Negotiators, the Garrett Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and DeKalb EMS personnel.