The Noblesville Police Dept.’s Criminal Investigations Division has determined an alleged case of battery and burglary on Feb. 24 lacked “a factual basis” and has officially closed its case.
“Investigators have been working around the clock since the time the incident was first reported to our agency by the victim. As a result of their investigation, which included an interview of the alleged victim, it was determined that the case lacked a factual basis,” said NPD Spokesman Lt. Bruce Barnes.
The announcement came this afternoon, just two days after Shelley D. Rye, 32 of Noblesville alleged the crime occurred at 14257 Mourning Dove Lane, in the Prairie Lakes apartment complex.
“The case has now been referred to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office for review,” Barnes said.
At 11:46 a.m. Feb. 24, NPD officers responded to call made by Rye after she indicated that the incident had actually occurred almost nine hours earlier.
Rye originally told police that she walked out of her apartment at approximately 2 a.m. Feb. 24 in order to retrieve an item from her vehicle which was parked just outside her apartment door. After getting the item, Barnes said Rye returned to her apartment and was getting ready to close her front door when she was confronted by the suspect in her doorway.
Rye stated that she tried closing her front door but the suspect forced the door open and then entered her apartment. Just inside the apartment door, Rye told police that the suspect assaulted her before forcing her to the floor.
“While on the floor, the suspect is alleged to have threatened the victim with a handgun,” Barnes said of the initial report. “The victim continued defending herself and was able to force the suspect off of her. The suspect then reportedly fled out of the apartment by way of the front door.”
The suspect, who was not identified or located, was described by Rye as an African American male on unknown age. He had a muscular build, weighed 180 to 220 lbs. and stood 5’10” to 6’ tall. The suspect had a black handgun and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a black ski mask.
Rye received minor injuries as a result of the attack but refused medical attention.