A man wanted in Wisconsin for child sexual assault was arrested Saturday night following a six-hour armed standoff in Michigan City.
Police were called to the Baymont Motel on Franklin Street around 9 p.m. on April 12 after receiving a report of a possible domestic disturbance involving children. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a woman who said she and her boyfriend had been arguing after she discovered he was wanted in Wisconsin for the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. She also reported that the man had taken her car keys and was sitting in her vehicle in the motel parking lot.
Authorities confirmed an active arrest warrant for 27-year-old Nathaniel Gruntzel through the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, which indicated it would extradite him.
When officers approached, Gruntzel fled on foot toward the nearby Meijer store, eventually entering the Garden Center after scaling a fence. During the pursuit, he dropped a handgun but quickly picked it up. Officers contained him inside the garden area, where he then held the gun to his head and threatened suicide.
Multiple agencies responded to assist, including the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Long Beach Police Department, Westville Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department, and LaPorte County EMS. The Meijer store was evacuated as the situation unfolded.
A crisis negotiator from Michigan City Police spent over six hours attempting to convince Gruntzel to surrender. Despite their efforts, Gruntzel shot himself in the upper torso. Officers immediately moved in, secured the weapon, and began life-saving measures. He was first taken to Franciscan Health and later transferred to a hospital in South Bend. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Gruntzel remains under 24-hour guard and will be taken to the LaPorte County Jail upon release from medical care. In addition to the Wisconsin warrant, local charges are being sought, including Resisting Law Enforcement, Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm, and Disorderly Conduct.
