News Release-Suspect Arrested, Charged with Level 2 Dealing in Cocaine After Battery Investigation and Search Warrant Executions, 7.29.26

News Release-Suspect Arrested, Charged with Level 2 Dealing in Cocaine After Battery Investigation and Search Warrant Executions, 2300 Stevens Ave; Second Suspect Charged with Battery with a Deadly Weapon, 7.29.26

Two individuals were arrested on July 22, 2026, and subsequently charged with battery, drug offenses after Elkhart Police Department officers obtained and executed two search warrants at a residence in the 2300 block of Stevens Ave, Elkhart.

On July 22, 2026, at approximately 12:39 a.m., the Elkhart City Communications Center received a 911 hangup from a crying female that advised she was in the parking lot of 740 Prairie Street.

An officer arrived in the area and made contact with a female subject (victim), who had apparent swelling and visible injuries. The victim reported multiple individuals attacked and battered her at an address on Stevens Ave and that during the altercation a known female suspect struck victim with a sock that contained an unknown object(s). The victim reported that she possibly lost consciousness during the incident.

Officers dispatched to the 2300 block of Stevens Avenue to further investigate this incident. During the investigation officers obtained and executed two judicial search warrants. Officers collected evidence outside the residence, including a tube sock containing rocks. During the execution of the search warrants officers also collected marijuana/THC products, multiple firearms (including one that had been reported as stolen to the EPD), and thirty-four (34) grams of cocaine.

A female suspect, identified as Shonece A.M. Bailey, 34 years old of Elkhart, was arrested and booked into the Elkhart County Jail on a preliminary charge in connection with this investigation. The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office subsequently charged her with Battery with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 5 Felony (case no. 20D01-2607-000167). An Elkhart County judicial officer set her bond at $25,000 surety/$2,500 cash.

Another resident, identified as Hahkeem J. Layman, 31 years old of Elkhart, was arrested and booked into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges. The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office has charged him with: Dealing in Cocaine, a Level 2 Felony; Possession of Marijuana, a Class A Misdemeanor; and Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor (case no. 20C01-2607-F2-000016). An Elkhart County judicial officer previously set his bond at $250,000 surety.

Please be advised that under Indiana law an individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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