Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Sunday, March 20, 2016
(HOWARD CO.) - A Howard County Sheriff’s deputy has died after being shot while serving a warrant in Russiaville early Sunday. A second deputy was also shot, but is in stable condition.
The suspect was killed in the shootout.
Howard County Sheriff Steve Rogers said in a news conference just before noon outside IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis that Deputy Carl Koontz, 27, had passed away from his injuries sustained in the shooting. Koontz was a three-year veteran of the force. The other deputy that was shot, Sgt. Jordan Buckley, was a nine-year veteran of the department.
Koontz and Buckley were flown by medical helicopter to Methodist Hospital after being treated at Community Howard Regional Health. Koontz was in "very critical" condition when he arrived at the hospital in Indianapolis Sunday morning. He later passed away. Buckley was alert and conscious.
Both deputies were wearing body armor at the time of the shooting.
Community rallies around Howard County Sheriff's Department following deputies' shooting
A number of police officers and deputies traveled from Howard County to Methodist Hospital as well.
The incident unfolded in the 300 block of West Chandler Street, in a trailer park in Russiaville around 12:30 a.m. The two deputies were shot by the suspect as they attempted to serve him with a warrant, according to Indiana State Police. Sheriff Rogers said the warrant, out of Clinton County, was for possession of a syringe. He said officers obtained information that the suspect was hiding out at the home. The deputies returned fire and the suspect was killed, but has yet to be identified.
Officers and deputies managed to get inside the residence after gunfire was exchanged and get Koontz and Buckley out. Law enforcement attempted to contact the suspect for about two hours before finding the suspect dead, Rogers said.
Residents who lived next door were evacuated.
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.