05/30/2026
From the Chief:
Following is an update on the incident involving a narcotics investigation and video footage of the related arrest for dealing methamphetamine that has circulated on social media. Comments that follow here regarding assessment of officer actions are specific to the two detectives under my authority with MPD. I will rely on the Sheriff's Department to assess and report on that agency's officers' actions.
In review, the Joint Effort Against Narcotics Task Force is a combined effort of the Grant County Sheriff's Department, the Marion Police Department, and the Grant County Prosecutor's Office that is tasked with investigating serious narcotics cases in Grant County. Detectives w/ the GCSD and MPD assigned to the task force participated in the investigation and the resultant arrest of the suspect, James Skaggs, for dealing methamphetamine on May 27th. Prior to the arrest, an undercover detective conducted a hand-to-hand purchase of methamphetamine from Mr. Skaggs. Those choices and actions by Mr. Skaggs provided probable cause for his arrest for dealing methamphetamine.
Based on those facts, detectives approached Mr. Skaggs-- in a calm, non-confrontatinal manner-- and identified themselves as law enforcement officers, verbally and by displaying their badges. Note-- after the arrest, Mr. Skaggs acknowledged that the detectives identified themselves and that he knew they were police officers. Mr. Skaggs attempted to walk away and was told that he was not free to leave and then that he was under arrest. Mr. Skaggs pulled away and began to resist and was taken to the ground. Detectives issued multiple clear commands for Mr. Skaggs to stop resisting and to place his arms behind his back. He did not comply, actively resisted, refused to show his hands, and attempted to stand during the encounter. MPD detectives used physical force, including distraction strikes, to attempt to gain control of Mr. Skaggs in the safest, quickest way possible given the arrestee's choice to resist. Once some control was established, active use of force was discontinued and Mr. Skaggs was finally handcuffed. Once handcuffed and no longer resisting, Mr. Skaggs was not subjected to any further use of force.
Per standard procedure following use of force situations, Mr. Skaggs was taken to the hospital for evaluation. That examination showed a minor injury to Mr. Skaggs' head that required no further treatment. Contrary to information circulated, no staples or stitches were applied. Claims on social media that Mr. Skaggs suffered serious injuries are unfounded. In short, the evaluation by imparital medical professionals showed no broken bones, concussion, or other serious injuries.
In addition to the current felony case, records indicate that Mr. Skaggs has a lengthy criminal history including documented arrests and convictions for resisting law enforcement (multiple), battery, possession of methamphetamine, and a previous conviction for dealing methamphetamine.
MPD has conducted a preliminary review of the incident regarding the actions of the two MPD detectives on scene. Preliminary findings concerning our detectives' use of force are that their actions were reasonable given the seriousness of the case, risks known to exist in the drug trade, the suspect's criminal history, and the suspect's level of resistance. With that stated, MPD always seeks to evaluate best practices and opportunities for improvement, even in difficult circumstances. Particularly in difficult circumstances. In that context, this case will continue to be assessed and reviewed; that process was begun immediately. Any additional information will be released as it becomes available.
It is important to note that no action taken or force applied by the two MPD detectives who assisted with this arrest was applied in anger or with intent to harm. The sole purpose of the actions taken was to gain control of and arrest a resisting subject who made a decision to sell methamphetamine in our community and who then chose to resist being held accountable. Use of force is very often unpleasant to observe and MPD officers don't take the use of it lightly. But, even in the face of criticism, MPD remains committed to making people safer in Marion and we will continue to investigate fairly and arrest citizens who commit serious crimes in our community. It is worth pointing out that in this, and in any other arrest situation, no use of force is necessary when a citizen who has committed serious crimes and is caught simply complies with the police officers who citizens expect to make them safer. So, if you are a person who makes a choice to sell methamphetamine in our community or harm people in other ways, we intend to arrest you. If you resist, we will use the force reasonably necessary to control your resistance. We will not shrink from our duty or run from our responsibility. We owe that to the vast majority of law-abiding citizens in our community who don't want drug dealers and criminals in their neighborhoods and we accept that charge willingly on our fellow citizens' behalf. Thank you.
David M. Gilbert
Chief of Police
