Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 25, 1946.
Rampage Ends In County Jail Cell; Offender Is Sad But Wiser Citizen
Herman Klemz, Valparaiso man, and former Kouts resident, went on a rampage Saturday to prove to his family and Valparaiso and Porter county authorities that he is a tough hombre.
Today he is ruminating in his cell in the county jail, a sadder but wiser fellow, and at the same time considerably chastened.
This morning he appeared before Judge J.A. Fleishbein in Porter superior court to answer changes he violated a restraining order issued by the court preventing him from molesting his wife, Ella, and daughter, 208 Napoleon street, pending a divorce action. He was remanded to jail for a cooling off period.
Ransacks House
Saturday Klemz went to his wife’s home and ransacked the house. He locked the door after leaving the premises and his wife had to gain entrance through a window.
Later Klemz returned to the home and became embroiled in an argument with his wife and daughter. Mrs. Klemz charged her husband made threats against her, the daughter, Atty. James W. Chester, Mrs. Klemz’ counsel, and also said he would kill police who interfered.
Sheriff Harry Borg and city police went to the home and arrested Klemz despite the fact he barricaded the doors and was armed with a rifle and revolver.
Attacks Prisoner
Saturday night Klemz became unruly in jail and he was placed in a cell. Later upon his promise to be “good” he was allowed in the bullpen. His first gesture of good will was to kick Robert Brown, of Niles, Mich, held on a charge of murder, in the groin. Brown was painfully hurt but he got up later to clash with Klemz. In the ensuing battle with Brown and others in the jail, Klemz was severely pummeled. This morning when he appeared in court he sported two black eyes.
