VAN WERT — Authorities in Van Wert County are seeking the public’s help in locating a Lima man wanted in connection with an armed attack on a county resident Thursday.
According to Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach, deputies were dispatched at 7:18 p.m. Thursday in reference to a male subject who forced his way into a residence in Washington Township. The intruder, armed with a firearm, attacked a resident in the home, the sheriff said. The resident was able to fight off the attacker, but not before the man fired the gun. The resident suffered minor injuries but did not suffer any gunshot wounds. The attacker fled the residence before deputies arrived.
Riggenbach said a warrant has been issued for Stephen F. Spieldenner, 50, of Lima, on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated burglary. The sheriff asked that anyone who knows the whereabouts of Spieldenner contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419-238-3866, use the Submit a Crime Tip link on the sheriff’s office website at vanwertcountysheriff.com or call Crime Stoppers at 419-238-STOP (7867). Individuals can remain anonymous when providing information.
Spieldenner is considered armed and dangerous. Individuals should not approach, try to stop or detain Spieldenner but instead contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency right away, the sheriff said.
The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office, Delphos police and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
.neFileBlock {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
padding-bottom: 5px;
padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
font-size: 85%;
}
