A 28-year-old male suspect is facing charges after allegedly threatening a chef at an IHOP restaurant in Muncie, Indiana, with a firearm. The incident occurred when the suspect accused the chef of having an affair with his wife, escalating into a confrontation that could have resulted in gunfire. The suspect subsequently fled the scene at high speed, eventually crashing into a house, according to court records.
Austen Geoffery Wable allegedly arrived at a location in North Chadam Lane on the preceding Thursday, where it is believed he was intoxicated and assaulted a cook, subsequently pointing a gun at the victim.
A witness who attempted to de-escalate the situation reported that Wable made a personal accusation against the employee, specifically stating that the worker was having an affair with his wife.
A violent confrontation culminated in the discharge of a firearm, with an employee attempting to intervene between the two parties involved. The employee later stated that he believed Wable may have also been struck by a shot during the altercation.
Court records indicate that following the shooting, Wable allegedly pursued the cook outside the IHOP restaurant while in possession of a knife.
An employee who intervened in the situation reported that the suspect appeared to be injured, specifically noting a bullet wound and a hole in the back of his pants. The individual also claimed to have heard the suspect stating that he was losing blood.
A chef at the center of a recent controversy has declined to cooperate with law enforcement officials as part of their ongoing investigation.
Initial responding officers discovered a firearm and a helmet in close proximity to the scene, but further details regarding the shooting's trajectory and potential injuries to others involved remain undisclosed by authorities.
Wable allegedly attempted to flee the scene in his wife's SUV after leaving the restaurant. He was subsequently tracked down by law enforcement using footage from the Flock Safety network's surveillance cameras.
A driver attempted to evade law enforcement at Biltmore Avenue by accelerating and fleeing the scene at speeds exceeding 110 miles per hour, or approximately 177 kilometers per hour.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the vehicle involved in the pursuit momentarily lifted off the ground and narrowly avoided a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.
The high-speed pursuit came to a halt when the suspect's vehicle lost control and collided with a two-storey brick residence situated on South County Road 400 E.
A man was discovered on the ground, appearing disoriented and in a state of distress, following an incident involving a vehicle, according to a report by FOX59.
During the incident, Wable was subdued with an electric stun gun after resisting police instructions. Upon being taken into custody, officers discovered that he had sustained a gunshot wound. However, initial questioning was hindered due to his apparent level of intoxication.
Preliminary charges have been filed against Wable, alleging involvement in several offenses, including criminal imprudence, intimidation, possession of a firearm without proper authorization, discharge of a firearm at another person, resistance to law enforcement, and driving under the influence with hazardous substances.
Court documents reveal that the individual was found guilty in 2021 of possessing a firearm without a valid permit.
The suspect is being held at the Delaware County prison without bail pending a hearing scheduled for Monday, following the incident.
The allegations made against the individual are currently pending and will be formally assessed during the course of the trial.
