Johnson County Man Arrested After Allegedly Crashing Truck into Juvenile Detention Center

Credit: Johnson County Sheriff's Office

By Hoosier Enquirer StaffPublished: 2:36 PM EDT, May 11, 2025Updated: 2:40 PM EDT, May 11, 2025

FRANKLIN, Ind. — A 39-year-old Jacob Dohndt of Johnson County was arrested Sunday morning after allegedly driving his pickup truck into the front entryway of the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center in Franklin, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 11:40 a.m. on May 11, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. The man’s truck, which had the phrase “Fathers Matter” spray-painted on its tailgate, crashed through the secured entryway of the facility, where employees were working at the time.

Police apprehended the suspect immediately after the crash. The man reportedly told officers he was frustrated with the Johnson County court system, claiming he had been unable to see his son for over a year. He allegedly admitted to ramming the building to “send a message to the judges and judicial system.”

Sheriff Duane Burgess condemned the act, stating, “This wasn’t just vandalism. This was a targeted, intentional act that put the lives of innocent people — people simply doing their jobs — directly in harm’s way. It’s very fortunate no one was killed or injured.”

Credit: Johnson County Sheriff's Office

Jacob Dohndt faces felony charges, including intimidation, criminal recklessness, and criminal mischief. Additionally, authorities discovered an active warrant for his arrest out of Shelby County for dealing methamphetamine. He is currently being held without bond.

The incident has raised concerns about safety at county facilities and the impact of personal grievances on public institutions. Further investigation is underway, and the Juvenile Detention Center is assessing the damage caused by the crash.

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