(La Porte, IN) - Several La Porte County Police officers were recognized today for arresting a man accused of beating his 93-year old grandmother.  Police say Cylis Tursi also fired several rounds at his mother.

 

On October 23rd, officers responded to a home in the 8000 block of W. 200 North.  Sheriff John Boyd said officers did not initially go inside for the safety of everyone involved but later decided to enter once a strategy had been developed.

 

The suspect, known by law enforcement as having a history of violent and erratic behavior, happened to be just outside the door as officers approached the residence, he said.  Boyd said the situation ended safely after officers momentarily stunned Tursi by hitting him with a  "bean bag round."

 

He was safely grabbed by police while he was stunned.  Police said bean bag rounds are fired from guns but do not inflict serious injury.  Typically, the impact causes a suspect to become disoriented long enough to be safely taken into custody, police said.  

 

Certifications of commendation were given to Chief Deputy Ron Heeg and officers Andy Hynek, Austin Wells, Tyler Oberholtzer and Jonathon Samuelson during the La Porte County Sheriff Merit Commission meeting. 

 

The grandmother was taken to a hospital but her injuries were not considered life threatening, police said.  Tursi is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with criminal recklessness and one other count.