Cross Plains Man Arrested on Attempted Murder Charge

An arrest was made early Sunday morning after a short pursuit in the Cross Plains area.

Mark Swafford. Photo via Madison Police Department. 

(Cross Plains, Ind.) - One person is in custody following a shooting incident and subsequent police pursuit. 

Mark N. Swafford, 43, of Cross Plains, was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with Attempted Murder (Level 1 Felony), Aggravated Battery (Level 3 Felony), and Battery (Level 6 Felony). 

According to Madison Police, they received a report of a shooting on Saturday night at an undisclosed location. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officers' arrival. 

Police worked quickly to identify the suspect as Swafford. He was located in the Cross Plains area and following a short pursuit, he was taken into custody. 

According to the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, the pursuit ended an accident with entrapment. Upon arrival, two passengers had self-extricated from the vehicle. Those injured were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Police say the shooting victim is expected to recover. 

“We are pleased to have made an arrest in this case and are grateful for the assistance of our law enforcement partners,” said Chief Shawn Scudder. “We want to reassure the public that we take all crimes seriously and will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Madison Police Department at 812-265-3347. This investigation is being led by Det. Cutshaw. Assistance during the investigation was given by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Ripley County EMS, and the Friendship Indiana Volunteer Fire Department.

Swafford is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail pending further investigation.