ISP investigates fatal incident in Jasper County

JASPER COUNTY, Ind. – State police recently mentioned an “incident” that occurred last week in Jasper County. Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson provided more information on the incident Thursday.

Williamson explained that officers were called on Sept. 8 to help paramedics care for a man named Rhyker Earl. Earl apparently had a “medical emergency” and some mental health issues, but he resisted those who tried to help him.

They handcuffed him, but Earl's condition worsened.

Williamson said Thursday that Earl was unable to calm down and eventually became unresponsive. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

After his death, a lawyer for the man's family released information that police said was “full of inaccuracies,” including suggesting that officers used a pillow and unsafe physical holds to prevent Earl from breathing properly.

However, the sheriff noted that bodycam footage from the scene indicated that Earl “slammed his head on the ground,” so officers placed a pillow under him to prevent injury.

He believed the fabricated allegations were intended to give Earl's family an advantage in court and to persuade the public to find the officers guilty. State police are currently investigating.