Suspect threatens violence at polling place; fights with officer

For a few at the poll on Tuesday’s election it will be one they will not forget after a man allegedly threatened to shoot everyone in the building after being upset over $100. Now, the suspect is facing several charges, including assault on an officer and attempting to steal a police vehicle.

Witnesses at the Guthrie Housing Authority (1524 E. Perkins), which was also serving as a polling place, said a man was upset and wanting $100 from the housing authority. They say he grabbed a polling sign and threw it against the building and went on to tell them he was going to shoot everyone with a gun.

Guthrie police officer Bryan Crumb was dispatched to the scene and made contact with the suspect, Matthew Settlemire, 28, whom did not obey his commands by stopping and getting down, but instead continued to walk towards the officer.

The police report, along with witnesses, state the officer was forced to put his hands on Settlemire leading to the altercation. Off. Crumb says during the struggle he was pushed away and that is when Settlemier entered the front seat of his police cruiser.

The altercation continued inside the police car.

Off. Crumb says he kept Settlemire from putting the car into gear, but could hear Settlemire pushing on the accelerator and accelerating the engine. The officer says he was then forced to punch the suspect four times in the face to gain control and turn the vehicle off.

Eventually, Settlemire was placed in handcuffs.

Settlemire was arraigned in front of Judge Susan Worthington on Thursday afternoon and became emotional and pleaded his case by saying, “he beat the crap out of me.” The judge and his attorney told Settlemire to stay quiet several times throughout the process.

Bond was set at $115,000 combined for the charges of attempted first degree burglary, assault and battery on a police officer, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and threaten to perform an act of violence. He is due back in court on May 21.