Ex-Officer Arrested After Armed Break-In Sparks Multi-County Manhunt

(STEUBEN COUNTY) - A former LaGrange police officer is facing felony charges after an armed break-in led to a three-hour manhunt across Steuben and LaGrange counties Monday night. Deputies say 38-year-old Ryan Stewart of Howe forced his way into his ex-girlfriend's home near Angola while carrying a handgun. The family barricaded themselves in the basement as Stewart fled before officers arrived. Investigators say he later called police making threatening statements, including references to "suicide by cop." Authorities tracked Stewart's phone and eventually found his vehicle. He surrendered at his home without incident. Stewart is now charged with felony residential entry and intimidation with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could face up to two and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine.