Updated: Name Released in Officer-Involved Shooting in Huntington

(HUNTINGTON)-  In regards to the officer-involved shooting investigation that occurred at Yeoman Park in Huntington Wednesday, the identity of the deceased male has been confirmed by the Indiana State Police, and immediate family members have been notified. 

The deceased male has been identified as 29-year-old Vincent Michael Smith, of Huntington.

“As previously stated, this an active and ongoing investigation,” says Sgt. Brian Walker. “At this time there is no further information available for release. Once ISP detectives have completed a thorough investigation of the incident, the case will be turned over to the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office for review.”

At approximately Noon, on Wednesday, officers from the Huntington County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to conduct a welfare check of an adult male, who was believed to be suicidal and armed with a handgun.

Initially, officers were able to locate this person’s vehicle, but not the person. A lengthy canvas of the area was conducted, and shortly after 1 p.m. officers located this person walking on the north side of Yeomen Park. There were multiple officers from several agencies on scene when the subject was located. Once contacted, this person fled from police and a foot chase ensued through the park.

During the foot pursuit, there was an exchange of gunfire involving one of the officers, wherein the suspect was shot.

Officers at the scene immediately called for emergency medical assistance, and then began rendering medical assistance themselves. Paramedics arriving on the scene took over the medical response, but lifesaving measures were unsuccessful. The man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Identification of the deceased male is being withheld at this time, pending notification of immediate family members and the Huntington County Coroner’s examination, which is expected to take place tomorrow morning.

As there were multiple officers involved in this incident, the identification of officers involved will also be withheld at this time, pending further investigation by the Indiana State Police Detectives and a review of these findings by the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office.