A routine arrest for a Frankfort man who attempted entry into a residence resulted in the man’s death after a serious medical episode early Saturday morning.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Frankfort Police Department was reportedly dispatched to the 4500 Block of West Jefferson Street in Frankfort for multiple reports of a male banging on doors. One of the complainants reportedly told dispatchers that the male was on his porch, and the complainant stated that he was prepared to protect his property if necessary.
Officers arrived in the area and began an investigation, which led to officers observing Michael Hanthorne, 33, of Frankfort putting an item in a vehicle that did not belong to him, authorities report. The item was reportedly a large quantity of a substance that tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Officers reported that Hanthorne did pass the threshold of a residence front door but was confronted with an armed homeowner, discontinuing his entry into the residence.
Hanthorne was arrested without incident at 6:22 a.m. for a felony warrant for theft out of Montgomery County, and the department requested additional charges of residential entry, possession of methamphetamine, public intoxication and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle.
Hanthorne was transported to the Clinton County Jail with medical clearance requested. Following his entry into IU Health Frankfort at 6:47 a.m., Hanthorne experienced a serious medical episode, and lifesaving efforts were attempted, authorities report. Hanthorne was pronounced deceased by the Coroner’s Office at 8:46 a.m.
Clinton County Coroner Ed Cripe will lead the death investigation for the cause and manner of death for Hanthorne, and the department detectives have taken over for the investigation into the initial investigation.
“Regardless of the criminal allegations, a member of our community has died,” Chief Scott Shoemaker said. “My thoughts are with Michael’s family, the medical staff at IU Frankfort and our officers who thought they were conducting a routine arrest this morning. This is not the outcome anyone wanted today.”
Community members with any information about Hanthorne’s activities prior to the incident, especially those involved in dealing the methamphetamine, are encouraged to contact Detective Joshua Danner at 765-654-4254 at extension 9281.
