On Friday, November 4, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from a citizen on a potential sighting of Matthew Gilbert. Gilbert has an active Level 3 Felony warrant for Possession of a Narcotic Drug and Possession of Meth. This warrant was issued after Gilbert failed to return to court during a June trial, while he was out on bond and NOT in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies went to the area of State Road 39 and County Road 200S and located an individual on a motorcycle, matching Gilbert’s description. At approximately 4:07 p.m. Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle for an infraction, when the suspect refused to stop. The suspect led law enforcement on a pursuit that expanded three counties- Clinton, Howard and Tipton.
The suspect was traveling on Division Road in Tipton County when he left the south side of the roadway into a cut cornfield, west of South County Road 100E. The suspect then lost control of the motorcycle and laid it down in the field.
K9 RIP was released as multiple units closed in on the suspect. During the K9 apprehension, a single gun shot was fired from one of two guns located on the suspect. Officers were able to safely take him into custody at approximately 5:09 p.m. Law Enforcement did not fire their weapons during this incident. There were no injuries as a result of the single gun shot. K9 RIP was not injured during this apprehension.
The suspect was positively identified as 41 year old Matthew Gilbert. Gilbert was transported to the Clinton County Jail, without further incident. During this investigation, law enforcement recovered a .38 revolver and a semi-automatic handgun.
The white 2001 Harley Davidson Gilbert was operating had been previously reported as stolen out of Indianapolis.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Clinton County Central Dispatch, Frankfort Police Department, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Kokomo Police Department and Paddacks Towing.
Additional charges have been requested and are pending review by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office:
Resisting Law Enforcement
Reckless Driving
Possession of Meth
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Auto Theft
“I am very proud of the quick actions of multiple agencies in safely apprehending a dangerous fugitive, who is a threat to our community. We used the appropriate tools and training to avoid any harm to law enforcement or Matt Gilbert. Thank you to the citizen whose observation led us to our suspect. I also want to thank all of our officers and dispatchers for their professionalism throughout this investigation. This was a job well done by all involved!”
– Sheriff Rich Kelly
The proceeding message was a press release issued by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Friday evening