Five felony counts have been filed against a Linton man, formerly from Worthington, who was arrested in Sullivan County last Sunday after he allegedly held a pair of scissors to the throat of his ex-wife during a domestic incident.

Johnny James Turpin Jr., 30, Linton, formerly from Worthington, was taken into custody by Lt. William Snead of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Marshal Justin Todd of the Dugger Police Department following an incident that occurred in Sullivan County last Sunday, August 1.

SCSD Sheriff Clark Cottom reported that around 1:50 p.m., the SCSD Dispatch got a call from a woman reporting a domestic disturbance involving her ex-husband, Johnny Turpin Jr.

The caller said Turpin had held a pair of scissors to her throat, causing a slight incision. She also said Turpin had taken her 9mm handgun and said he would harm himself if she called the police.

According to the caller, Turpin had left a residence on Chaney Street in Sullivan and might be headed to Linton.

The SCSD issued an All-Points-Bulletin (APB) with the description of Turpin’s pickup truck.

About ten minutes after the APB was broadcast, Lt. Snead located the truck headed east on County Road 50 North just west of Cass.

Lt. Snead attempted a traffic stop but Turpin fled and a brief pursuit took place through the town of Cass then north on CR 700 East, all in Sullivan County.

Officer Todd arrived in the area to assist and the truck then came to a stop near CR 700 East and CR 100 North, Sullivan County.

Indiana Conservation Officer Dustin Cary and SCSD Deputy Collin Berg also assisted on the scene when Turpin was arrested. Chief Mike Garrett of the Sullivan Police Department assisted with the investigation at the Chaney Street residence.

Turpin was transported to the Sullivan County Jail where he was booked in on a number of preliminary charges.

Earlier today, Thursday, August 5, the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office filed a criminal case against Turpin.

He’s being charged with:

• Domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony,

• Domestic battery with a previous conviction for battery or strangulation, a Level 5 felony,

• Domestic battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old, a Level 6 felony,

• Confinement, a Level 6 felony, and

• Theft of a firearm, a Level 6 felony.

Turpin currently remains in custody in the Sullivan County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Sullivan Superior Court for his initial hearing tomorrow morning, Friday, August 6.