Former State Rep. candidate jailed after threatening REMC workers

(AURORA, Ind.) – A former state representative candidate was arrested after allegedly threatening Southeastern Indiana REMC employees.

The utility workers were attempting to fix damaged electrical lines at the property of Lisa Barker and Bobby Hensley on East Laughery Creek Road in Aurora on Friday. 

60-year-old Lisa Barker allegedly displayed a handgun and threatened the workers as they were working with live electrical lines.

"I guess it's going to take me putting a bullet in the back of your head for you to get the message,” Barker allegedly told one employee. 

The REMC workers also said that she questioned whether she needed to shoot someone in the back or head, according to court documents.

Police arrived to find Barker and Hensley speaking with an REMC employee and learned that she had a gun, prosecutors said. 

The deputy ordered Barker to drop the firearm but she instead placed it behind her back in a holster, according to court documents. 

More officers responded and attempted to take Barker into custody. 66-year-old Bobby Hensley allegedly intervened and attempted to push and kick a deputy. 

“A physical struggle followed, during which Barker's firearm came out from behind her back. Aurora Police Chief Daugherty also became involved in a struggle with Hensley, and the two collided with a patrol vehicle, causing a large dent in the door,” said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens.

Both Barker and Hensley were ultimately taken into custody after officers deployed tasers.

Barker has been charged with Intimidation and Resisting Law Enforcement while Hensley has been charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Law Enforcement.

Barker and Hensley lost their home due to the tornado in June.

Days after the tornado, Barker was arrested after a traffic stop where she allegedly called officers “Nazis" and became combative.

Barker was the democrat candidate for the Indiana House of Representatives District 68 seat in 2024.