Police say a late afternoon trip to Columbia Park turned frightening for a group of kids when a Lafayette woman pulled a handgun, waved it around and threatened to "light" one boy up. Officers later tracked down the car she left in, found six juveniles inside, and, after securing a search warrant, recovered a 9mm handgun and ammunition from a nearby home, according to investigators.
Police response and kids' accounts
Tippecanoe County officers were called to Columbia Park at about 5:55 p.m. for a report of an armed person. A group of juveniles told investigators that a woman wearing a pink bonnet and blue shirt pulled a gun from a fanny pack and waved it around. According to WXIN, the children, estimated to be between about 7 and 14 years old, said the woman threatened to "blow the park up" and to "light" one child up.
Traffic stop finds six juveniles in vehicle
Investigators traced the vehicle's license plate and stopped the car at about 6:14 p.m. Officers found six juveniles inside and reported that the driver had a suspended license. As reported by WKRC, officers said they smelled marijuana and that the woman admitted she had a joint. She was arrested and taken to the Tippecanoe County Jail.
Search warrant recovered a handgun and ammunition
After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, investigators say they found 9mm ammunition and shotgun slugs in a bedroom, along with a black grocery bag outside the back door that contained a Taurus GC2 9mm handgun, magazines and a plastic holster. Per WXIN, officers also recovered two cell phones and a baggie of miscellaneous ammunition at the scene.
Charges, prior convictions and hearing
Court documents identify the suspect as 31-year-old Ashley Nicole Maxell. She faces multiple counts that include unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, two counts of intimidation where a deadly weapon was drawn, two counts of intimidation involving a threat to commit a forcible felony, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, possession of marijuana and driving while suspended. She was previously convicted of escape and intimidation, convictions that bar legal firearm possession under Indiana law. Maxell appeared for an initial hearing on Tuesday, and prosecutors will review the evidence before formal filings, as reported by WKRC.
Authorities say the investigation remains active. Anyone with information or video of what happened at Columbia Park is urged to contact Tippecanoe County detectives as prosecutors weigh the next steps in the case.
