TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A 41-year-old Indianapolis man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he attacked a woman early Tuesday morning inside Fairbanks Park. The suspect was located and arrested following a K-9 search of the wooded area near the park.
Authorities identified the suspect as Tyler J. Gramelspacher, who has since been formally charged in Vigo County.
Incident Reported at Fairbanks Park
According to the Terre Haute Police Department, officers were dispatched around 6 a.m. on Feb. 10 to the 200 block of South 3rd Street after a woman reported she had been attacked inside Fairbanks Park.
Investigators say the woman suffered lacerations to her stomach and arm during the assault. Despite her injuries, she was able to fight off the attacker and run from the park to South 3rd Street, where she sought assistance.
First responders from the Terre Haute Fire Department provided medical care at the scene before transporting the victim to a local hospital for further treatment.
Victim’s Description Leads to Search
While receiving medical care, the victim provided officers and detectives with detailed descriptions of the suspect as well as critical information about the location of the attack. Police say that information played a significant role in quickly narrowing down the search area.
Officers secured Fairbanks Park as a precaution while a police K-9 unit was deployed to track the suspect. K-9 Simba began searching the area and eventually led officers toward a wooded section on the northeast side of the park.
Police announced their presence and issued verbal commands for anyone in the wooded area to come forward. When there was no response, Simba was released into the area and located a man hiding among the trees.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The man was identified as Tyler J. Gramelspacher, 41. Police described him as homeless, though online court records list an Indianapolis address as his residence.
Detectives later learned that Gramelspacher had reportedly returned to Terre Haute within the previous 24 hours from an unknown location. Investigators believe he intended to stay overnight in the wooded area of the park.
Authorities say Gramelspacher declined to provide additional information when questioned by officers.
Formal Charges Filed
On Feb. 12, the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged Gramelspacher with three felony offenses:
- Battery resulting in serious bodily injury
- Battery by means of a deadly weapon
- Attempt to commit aggravated battery
A judge set Gramelspacher’s bond at $20,000 cash. He made his initial court appearance on Feb. 13.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the alleged attack. Authorities continue to review evidence and follow up on the investigation.
Officials encourage residents to remain alert when visiting public parks, particularly during early morning hours, and to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
