Tippecanoe Co. deputy cleared in escape suspect’s case

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – The deputy who was attacked by an inmate and had her squad car stolen will return to work Tuesday night. It has been determined that she followed all the proper procedures during the incident.

On May 15, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Deputy Jennifer Thompson was transporting 25-year-old Marcus Bramlett from the hospital to the jail. Sheriff Barry Richard says Bramlett was shackled and had on a waist chain with handcuffs.

Bramlett was able to free a hand from the handcuff and that’s when the altercation happened. Richard says after Bramlett attacked Thompson and got control of her car to drive off, Thompson fired one round at the car.

Richard says through an internal investigation and a shooting board, Thompson has been cleared.

“We were able to conduct all the meetings, interviews, and so fourth and Deputy Thompson was found to have abided by all the policies, procedures and obviously, the shooting was justified,” Richard said.

Bramlett had been in the hospital with a skull fracture after he tried hurting himself in jail. He returned to jail Saturday where he remains in a padded cell and under 24-hour surveillance.

Bramlett had his initial court hearing Tuesday for his charges in Tippecanoe County. He faces four felony charges including escape and battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a public safety officer. He also faces charges in Warren County.