The following update is a press release issued by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office regarding two residential burglaries and an altercation with deputies that occurred Tuesday morning in St. Paris:
“On August 18, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m., Champaign County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 4500 block of Cherry Hill Drive in Johnson Township following reports of a burglary in progress.
“The initial 911 call came from a 90-year-old resident who reported that a male had forced his way into her home. The investigation determined that the suspect had climbed onto a second-story balcony and forced open a door to gain entry. The resident concealed herself inside the home while the suspect was present and contacted 911.
“After leaving the first residence, the suspect allegedly entered a neighboring residence. A realtor conducting a property inspection at that residence encountered the unknown male inside the home. The realtor safely exited the residence and contacted 911. Deputies subsequently determined that the suspect had also forced entry into that residence.
“Deputies responded to the neighboring residence and began searching for the suspect. During the search, deputies located the suspect hiding inside a bathroom, in a bathtub behind a closed shower curtain. The suspect was given numerous verbal commands to exit the bathtub and comply with deputies.
“The suspect allegedly failed to comply and suddenly charged toward deputies. An initial Taser deployment was ineffective, and a physical struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect allegedly grabbed a deputy’s patrol rifle and attempted to gain control of the weapon.
“The suspect broke away from deputies and fled the residence on foot. Deputies pursued him and successfully deployed Tasers, allowing them to take him into custody. He was evaluated by EMS at the scene and refused treatment.
“The suspect was identified as Timothy B. Cole, 37, of Richmond, Indiana. Cole was transported to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and was later taken to Mercy Health before being transported to the Tri-County Regional Jail.
“During the investigation, deputies also located an unoccupied Ford F-150 at the first residence. A check of the vehicle identification number revealed that the truck had been reported stolen through the Richmond, Indiana Police Department. Investigators learned that Cole was alleged to have taken the vehicle from his father’s automobile dealership in Indiana along with additional vehicle keys.
“As a result of the investigation, Cole was charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of assault on a peace officer, and one count of aggravated robbery.”
