Indiana State Police investigate police action shooting in Richmond

RICHMOND – A Richmond man is in custody on numerous charges after being shot by police after it was reported, he pointed a firearm at officers.

Preliminary investigation determined on May 4, 2023, just before 3:00 p.m., Richmond Police Department responded to the 1800 block of Rich Road in response to shots fired.  When Richmond officers arrived, they located a female victim with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound, and immediately provided medical aid  The victim, identified as Christina Reed, 42, of Richmond, was transported to Reid Health with non-life-threatening injuries.  

Richmond Police identified the suspect and located him at his residence next door to the victim.  The suspect, identified as Charles Adams, 81, of Richmond, barricaded himself in his residence and refused to answer communication attempts by police. Richmond Police established a perimeter and evacuated nearby residences. 

At some point during attempts by police to de-escalate the situation, Adams reportedly fired a round at police.  Richmond Police activated their SWAT team and requested the assistance of the Indiana State Police SWAT team, and Randolph County Sheriffs’ Office  SWAT team.

The three SWAT teams coordinated a joint effort to peacefully take Adams into custody.  After failed efforts to establish communication with Adams, police deployed chemical agents.  SWAT teams used special tactics to visually locate Adams within the residence.  Adams approached an opening and reportedly pointed a firearm at police. 

Indiana State Police SWAT members discharged their department-issued firearms, striking Adams at least once.  Troopers provided medical aid to Adams, and he was placed into police custody.  Adams was transported to Reid Health, and his injuries were considered non-life threatening.

The members of the Indiana State Police SWAT team who shot at Adams are identified as the following: Master Trooper George True, Senior Trooper Nickolas Yaeger, Trooper Dana Harvey, Senior Trooper Jason Madison, and Senior Trooper Brandon Henderson.  They will be placed on administrative leave, per normal protocol, while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Detectives from the Indiana State Police Pendleton District are leading the investigation. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review.