FRANKFORT, Ind. (June 20, 2025) – An ongoing one-person protest in front of Frankfort’s city building escalated into a physical altercation on Thursday evening, June 19, leading to the arrests and subsequent charges for two individuals.
The Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a fight at 301 E Clinton Street, also known as Old Stoney, which had been the site of a small, one-person protest since 4 p.m.. Earlier that evening, at 7:01 p.m., authorities had responded to the location for the protester’s usage of fireworks, issuing a warning after the individual stated they would not do it again. Shortly thereafter, at 7:23 p.m., Clinton County Central Dispatch began receiving reports that the protester was yelling at people driving by on Walnut Street. A shift change of corrections officers and dispatchers at the jail also reported fireworks.
At approximately 7:38 p.m., an officer observed 28-year-old Tyler Niccum of Frankfort throw objects at the protester, 26-year-old Cody Bishop of Indianapolis. Niccum then sat down at a picnic table on the property. Bishop subsequently walked to Niccum, and a fight or struggle occurred over a sign Bishop was holding. During this confrontation, Bishop pointed a firearm at Niccum, who then retreated. Officers intervened and separated both parties while conducting an investigation.
Investigators learned that prior to the observed altercation, Niccum had approached Bishop to examine Bishop’s sign, which reportedly had Niccum’s name on it. While Bishop was at his truck, he walked towards Niccum in close proximity and pushed the sign towards him. Niccum responded by swatting the sign away, at which point Bishop hit Niccum with the sign. Niccum then went back to his car, which was parked on the west side of Prairie Creek, and called the police. However, Niccum did not wait for law enforcement and re-engaged with Bishop.
Both Niccum and Bishop were arrested following the incident. Bishop resisted arrest, causing minor injuries to two Frankfort Police Officers, though no medical attention was necessary.
Charges were filed by the Clinton County Prosecutor on June 20, 2025:
• Tyler Niccum faces one count of Disorderly Conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct (35-45-1-3(a)(1)/MB).
• Cody Bishop faces multiple charges, including:
◦ Two counts of Resisting Law Enforcement: Defendant causes bodily injury (35-44.1-3-1(a)(1)/F6).
◦ Unlawful Use of Body Armor: defendant uses body armor while committing a felony (35-47-5-13(b)/F6).
◦Disorderly Conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct (35-45-1-3(a)(1)/MB).
Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker commented on the incident, stating, “Individuals who want to exercise their first and second amendments are freely able to do so in our society”. However, he emphasized, “What they will not do is incite violence and disrupt normal day-to-day activities for our city residents and visitors”. The Frankfort Police Department strongly encourages citizens to not engage with protestors.
