Shirtless man arrested for waving chainsaw at cars tells police drone was reading his mind

La Porte County Jail: Matthew Fancher

WESTVILLE, Ind. -- A man was arrested and charged after it a call came in about him waving a chainsaw around and yelling at passing cars in front of a home in the 6500 block of South US 421 in Westville on June 5.

The suspect, Matthew Fancher, is charged with Disorderly Conduct, a Misdemeanor, and Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony.

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office reports a call came in about the suspect at around 4:43 p.m. The suspect was described as a white man with long hair, no shirt, and black shorts.

Deputies arrived on scene to find the suspect, later identified as Fancher. The first deputy on scene held him at gunpoint until another unit arrived. Fancher matched the suspect description and was on his knees with the electric chainsaw a few feet in front of him.

Authorities sat Fancher was compliant and was detained in handcuffs. Deputies on scene noted he had an ankle monitor on.

Fancher was described as dripping in sweat, with glossy eyes and pinpoint pupils.

Fancher identified himself to authorities and while being patted down a tin can, containing a glassy, crystal-like substance, consistent with methamphetamine, was discovered in his shorts.

Fancher was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with investigators. He told deputies he was working at the Tazco Company and felt bothered by someone flying a drone above him. Fancher said he tried to leave but his truck wasn't working.

Fancher said he then left the area and walked towards his home in the 5600 block of South US 421. He took his chainsaw with him and while walking, he said he found the tin can on the side of the road and picked it up.

Fancher denied swinging his chainsaw or being under the influence of any narcotic and alcoholic beverages.

The first deputy on scene noted Fancher was in the roadway swinging the chainsaw at vehicles.

Fancher was then taken to La Porte County Jail. While taking Fancher to jail, the deputy noted he continued speaking but couldn't remain on a single topic.

Fancher allegedly told the deputy the drone he saw might've been reading his mind because he was "feeling weird."

After booking Fancher into jail, authorities performed a Tru Narc self-check test on him and the substance recovered.

The tests came back positive for methamphetamine. The methamphetamine weighed 1.2 grams.

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