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Lafayette Trooper Involved In Police Action Shooting

Last updated on Monday, December 31, 2018

(MONTGOMERY CO.) - On Friday, at approximately 3:48 p.m. on US 231 northbound near County Road 550 North a trooper stopped and checked a black 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe that appeared abandoned on the side of the road.

The vehicle was off the traveled portion of the highway so after checking for occupants, the trooper tagged the vehicle.

The trooper places a yellow tag on the vehicle when it has been checked. The trooper then proceeded on his normal patrol.

At approximately 6:35 p.m. the same trooper was driving southbound by the Tahoe he had tagged earlier that afternoon and saw that a second car, a white 2018 Dodge had pulled up in front of the Tahoe.

A man later identified as 56-year-old Glenn A. Rightsell of Linden, IN was at the front of the vehicle with the hood open. The trooper noticed a handgun at Mr. Rightsell's waist as he pulled around behind the Tahoe and parked with his emergency lights and spotlight on to investigate circumstances of why the second vehicle was there.

As the trooper approached from the driver's side of the Tahoe, he identified himself as a law enforcement officer and gave verbal commands to Mr. Rightsell. The trooper says Mr. Rightsell failed to comply with the Troopers directions and allegedly grabbed the gun on his waist, at which time the trooper drew his sidearm and fired upon Mr. Rightsell, striking him at least once.

The trooper retreated to his police vehicle where he advised Region 1 Radio that shots were fired and requested assistance.

Montgomery County Deputies arrived, and after securing the scene administered first aid to Mr. Rightsell. He was transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crawfordsville by ambulance where he succumbed to his injuries.

Indiana State Police will conduct an investigation and will forward their report to Montgomery County Prosecutor Joseph Buser for review.

The family of Mr. Rightsell was notified of his death.

The trooper's name will be released at a later date.

Assisting at the scene were the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office, Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, Crawfordsville Police Department, Linden Town Marshall, Crawfordsville EMS, Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators, Indiana State Police Detectives and Troopers from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post.

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