Perry County, IN – After an exhaustive multi-county search spanning over 24 hours, law enforcement authorities have successfully apprehended 35-year-old Alexander J. Carlquist, the prime suspect in a violent shooting incident in Daviess County, Indiana. Carlquist was found hiding in a heavily wooded area in the Oriole/Branchville region of Perry County on the morning of Saturday, February 17, following an extensive manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police (ISP), the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, and various local authorities.

THE SHOOTING INCIDENT THAT PROMPTED A STATEWIDE MANHUNT

The events leading up to Carlquist’s dramatic capture began in the early hours of Friday, February 16, when authorities received a distress call at approximately 2:05 a.m. regarding a shooting near 15075 N US Highway 231 in Daviess County. Deputies and first responders rushed to the scene, where they discovered an adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. According to law enforcement reports, the victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, was immediately given emergency medical assistance before being transported to Daviess Community Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to a specialized medical facility for advanced trauma care. As of the latest reports, the victim remains in stable condition, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of life-altering injuries.

Upon launching an initial investigation, law enforcement quickly identified Alexander J. Carlquist as the prime suspect. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence pointed to Carlquist as the individual responsible for the shooting. He was last seen fleeing the area in a vehicle, prompting an immediate statewide be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) alert for his arrest. Authorities issued descriptions of two vehicles he was believed to be driving—a silver 2004 Jeep Liberty with Indiana license plate CHJ385 and a silver 2009 Ford Focus with Indiana license plate CPQ532.

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE AND ESCALATING SEARCH EFFORTS

Recognizing the severity of the situation and the potential danger Carlquist posed to the public, law enforcement agencies across Indiana quickly mobilized. The Indiana State Police, along with sheriff’s offices from Daviess and Perry counties, formed a coordinated task force to track down Carlquist. Authorities began receiving multiple reports of possible sightings in various locations, suggesting that Carlquist was attempting to evade capture by constantly moving between counties.

Investigators soon uncovered evidence indicating that Carlquist had personal connections in Perry County, leading law enforcement to believe he might seek refuge there. Officers concentrated their search efforts in the heavily wooded and rural areas surrounding Oriole and Branchville, places known for their difficult terrain and limited accessibility.

BREAKTHROUGH: LOCATING CARLQUIST IN A WOODED AREA

By Saturday morning, the search had reached a critical point. Law enforcement teams, including ISP tactical units, K-9 search teams, and aerial surveillance drones, had narrowed down Carlquist’s potential hiding area to a densely forested region. A key break in the case came when a local resident, who had been following media reports on the case, contacted authorities after spotting a suspicious individual fitting Carlquist’s description moving through the area.

Authorities immediately converged on the location, establishing a perimeter to prevent Carlquist from escaping. After an extensive ground search, officers located Carlquist attempting to conceal himself among thick underbrush. Upon realizing he had been surrounded, Carlquist initially resisted arrest but was swiftly subdued by officers. According to law enforcement sources, no shots were fired during the capture, and Carlquist was taken into custody without further incident.

CHARGES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Following his apprehension, Carlquist was transported to the Perry County Jail, where he is being held pending transfer to Daviess County. Prosecutors are expected to charge him with multiple felonies, including:

• Attempted Murder
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
• Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement
• Endangering Public Safety

Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation progresses. Given the seriousness of the allegations, Carlquist faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.

STATEMENTS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

In a press conference held later on Saturday, Daviess County Sheriff Gary Allison praised the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies involved in bringing Carlquist to justice. “This was a textbook example of how law enforcement agencies must work together to protect our communities from violent offenders. The speed and efficiency with which this operation was conducted undoubtedly prevented further harm,” Sheriff Allison stated.

Perry County Sheriff’s Office also released a statement commending the vigilance of local residents who provided crucial information leading to Carlquist’s capture. “We want to thank the members of the public who remained alert and reported sightings. Community cooperation played an invaluable role in ensuring that this dangerous suspect was apprehended without further incident,” said Sheriff Todd Underwood.

Residents of both Daviess and Perry counties expressed relief following the news of Carlquist’s arrest. Many took to social media to praise law enforcement efforts, while others voiced their concerns over the rising cases of violent crime in rural Indiana. “This is not something you expect to happen in a quiet community like ours,” said local resident Susan McMillan. “It’s terrifying to think that someone like this was on the loose, but I’m grateful to our police officers for acting quickly.”

CONTINUING INVESTIGATION AND CALL FOR WITNESSES

Although Carlquist is now in custody, investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether Carlquist acted alone or had assistance before or after the crime.

Anyone with additional information about the shooting or Carlquist’s whereabouts prior to his arrest is urged to contact the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office at 812-254-1060. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.

CONCLUSION: JUSTICE AWAITS

The capture of Alexander J. Carlquist marks the successful conclusion of a harrowing 24-hour search operation that tested the resources and coordination of multiple law enforcement agencies. As Carlquist awaits legal proceedings, authorities remain committed to ensuring justice is served and that the community remains safe from further harm.

With the investigation still ongoing, further developments are expected in the coming weeks, and residents can rest assured that law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to keep violent criminals off the streets.

This remains a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information emerges.