Vandalism at Allen County Courthouse

On February 2, 2024, at approximately 7:26 P.M., a male white suspect approached the Allen County Courthouse and broke out glass on the entry doors, using a sledge hammer. The suspect entered the courthouse and broke out several other entry doors before fleeing the scene on foot. The suspect was wearing dark pants, a long sleeve dark jacket, an orange safety vest and clear safety glasses. The suspect appears to have dark hair, brown or black, and was wearing it into a short ponytail.

The damage to the courthouse is significant. A low estimate of the damage would be $15,000 to $20,000, possibly higher.

Local media members have been provided images of the suspect and are asked to publish them immediately, asking for public assistance to help identify the suspect. If anyone has suspect information they are asked to contact dispatch at 260-449-3000. They may also use the P3 app to provide information to Crime Stoppers.

UPDATED RELEASE AT 1:34 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 3, 2024:

The Allen County Sheriff’s Department has a person of interest detained, related to this investigation. More information will be updated in the coming days.

UPDATED RELEASE AT 12:18 A.M. ON FEBRUARY4, 2024:

The person of interest previously mentioned has been identified as, Christopher Peters, 36 years of age, of Fort Wayne, IN. He has been charged with Criminal Mischief, a level 6 felony, and Burglary, a level 5 felony, in relation to the damage at the Allen County Courthouse.

This investigation is ongoing.

Sergeant Adam Griffith
Public Information Officer
Allen County Sheriff’s Department