What started as an undercover meth buy in Marion on Wednesday ended with a takedown, distraction strikes, and a trip to the hospital for the suspect, according to local authorities.
Detectives with the JEAN Team drug task force arrested James Skaggs after an undercover detective bought methamphetamine from him, and the arrest quickly turned into a physical struggle that left Skaggs with a minor head injury. Investigators say officers used distraction strikes to get control of Skaggs, then stopped using force once he was in handcuffs. He was taken to Marion Health for evaluation, where staff documented a superficial abrasion and a small hematoma but did not diagnose a concussion.
According to a Facebook post by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office - Marion, IN, the arrest went down at 3741 S. Selby Street after the undercover detective conducted a hand-to-hand purchase of methamphetamine. Surveillance video released with the post shows Skaggs rolling away from detectives and refusing to give up his hands to be cuffed, the department said. Detectives reported using physical control techniques, including distraction strikes, to gain compliance during the takedown.
"The use of force ceased after detectives secured Skaggs in handcuffs," the sheriff's office wrote. Medical personnel noted a superficial abrasion to the back of his head and a small hematoma, and Skaggs reported feeling dazed with a headache and shoulder discomfort, according to the post. Staff at Marion Health evaluated him and did not diagnose a concussion, the sheriff's office said.
How the JEAN Team works
The JEAN Team Drug Task Force is a joint unit of the Marion Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff's Office that focuses on narcotics investigations, including undercover operations and controlled buys, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office - JEAN Team page on IN.gov. The task force relies on covert buys and surveillance to build cases against suspected street-level dealers as well as larger distribution networks. Investigators say that approach is what led detectives to the Selby Street address in this case.
Charges and next steps
The sheriff's post states Skaggs was arrested on a charge of dealing methamphetamine and notes that court records show prior convictions, including resisting law enforcement and earlier meth-related offenses. Grant County officials say the department is conducting a review of the incident in line with department policy and applicable law, and prosecutors will decide on any formal filings or court dates. The sheriff's office reiterated in its post that it is committed to transparency as the administrative review moves forward.
