Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, September 5, 2015
(FRENCH LICK) - Police shot and killed a man who was involved in a domestic dispute Friday and then charged officers armed with a metal pipe.
The names of those involved in the Friday afternoon shooting in French Lick have been released.
According to an Indiana State Police report, Indiana State Police Trooper Michael Allen, a three year veteran of the Department and an officer from West Baden Police Department, went to the home at 8399 West Ohio Street in French Lick at 3:50 p.m. after a report of a physical domestic fight.
Officers were told 49-year-olf Jose Ramon Damiani, Jr. was strangling his wife.
When officers arrived they attempted to speak to Damiani, but he refused.
Officers say Damiani ran through house, into the backyard and into a garage.
The officers tried to speak with Damiani, who would not talk with them. Damiani then picked up a large metal pipe from a scrap pile and approached the officers.
The officers gave Damiani numerous commands for him to drop the pipe, but he refused.
State Police say the West Baden officer fired his Taser, but it didn't stop Damiani.
Damiani stepped directly up to the officer, pulling the pipe back in a motion to strike the officer in the head.
"At that point the male subject takes the pipe like a baseball bat and gets ready to swing at one of the officer's heads," ISP Sgt. Phillip Hensley said the night of the incident. "Both officers then open fire on the subject because they felt the situation had taken a grave turn."
Damiani was pronounced dead at the scene by the Orange County Coroner's Office.
Police continue to investigate the incident, but say there is no other threat to the public at this time.
The state trooper involved is on administrative duty while the shooting is investigated, but officials have not said what's next for the West Baden Officer.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.