Driver Threatened Woman and Her Infant Child with Gun After Car Crash, Charged with Attempted Rape

Jason Middleton, 45

Jason Middleton, 45, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly threatening a woman and her infant child following a rear-end collision in Hancock County on April 28. The charges include attempted rape, attempted kidnapping, and criminal confinement.

According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, the woman reported that she was driving eastbound on U.S. 52 with her baby in the vehicle after leaving an eye appointment and stopping for gas. She noticed a blue van rapidly approaching from behind. Despite her efforts to keep her distance, she stated that the van — driven by Middleton — struck her car twice when she stopped behind a turning pickup truck. Both vehicles pulled to the side of the road near 100 W and U.S. 52.

The woman told investigators that when Middleton exited his van, he initially asked what had happened. She responded that he had hit her vehicle and informed him there was a baby in the car. While she was on the phone with police providing his license plate number, Middleton asked about the baby and then allegedly stood too close to her as she retrieved her insurance information.

At that point, Middleton reportedly pulled a handgun from his pocket and threatened to rape the woman and shoot her baby if she did not get into his van. The woman described a violent struggle during which she screamed and shoved him, trying to get away. She said Middleton repeatedly told her to "shut the f*** up" and threatened to force her into the van.

Two witnesses arrived at the scene during the altercation. One witness reported seeing the struggle and yelled at Middleton, who fled back into his van, gun in hand, and drove off southbound on 100 W. The witness assisted the victim and retrieved her phone so she could continue communicating with emergency dispatchers.

Deputies located the woman, who was visibly shaken. She expressed disbelief that the gun did not discharge during the confrontation and stated that although she owns a firearm, she did not bring it because she believed her routine trip would be uneventful.

Law enforcement tracked the van to a residence in Fountaintown, Shelby County, where Middleton was found hiding inside a storage container. While a firearm was not located on the property, Middleton was taken into custody.

During a police interview, Middleton claimed the woman had slammed on her brakes, causing the accident. He alleged that she pulled a gun on him and that a struggle ensued when she dropped it. He maintained he fled the scene because he was afraid she would shoot him. When confronted with the witness's statement that he was seen fleeing with a gun, Middleton denied ever possessing a weapon. He also denied making threats or attempting to kidnap the woman or her child but admitted he should have contacted authorities.

Middleton is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. He appeared in court for an initial hearing on Monday, and a jury trial is tentatively scheduled for July.