Sellersburg woman fires at officer, faces three counts of attempted murder

SELLERSBURG – As a result of information gathered during the Sellersburg police-involved shooting investigation, detectives have identified the suspect as 52-year-old Lori Lynn Carpenter, of Sellersburg.

Detectives also provided pertinent information to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office, and late Thursday morning, an arrest warrant was issued for Carpenter out of Clark County Circuit Court on three separate counts of attempted murder, each is a Level 1 felony.

Carpenter’s bail was set at $100,000 cash.

This morning, detectives with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg are investigated a police-involved shooting after Carpenter fired multiple shots from her residence and retreated into her suburban home. 

Around 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, neighbors notified 911 operators that they heard gunshots coming from a residence on the 200 block of Liam Noble Circle in Sellersburg. 

When Sellersburg City police officers arrived a few minutes later, they heard gunshots coming from the back side of the residence.  They then requested backup as they set a perimeter around the house.  

Officers contacted Carpenter; however, she closed the garage door on the officers and refused commands to put down any weapons and exit the house.  

Officers later observed Carpenter walking on the back deck of the residence with a handgun in her hand.  Based on her actions and speech, they believed her to be intoxicated.   

Crisis negotiators with the Indiana State Police and the Southeast Regional Swat Team arrived to assist.  Still, Carpenter disobeyed orders to put down the weapon and exit the house.  She also repeatedly broke contact with the negotiators and officers on the scene. 

Officers used various methods to contact and observe Carpenter, including a loudspeaker, telephones, and a drone-mounted camera.  After officers could not reconnect with the suspect, SWAT officers attempted to open a door into the residence. 

As officers attempted to open the door, Carpenter fired through the door at the officers.  At least one officer from the SWAT team returned fire and struck the woman. 

Officers immediately provided medical aid and transported Carpenter to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she is listed in critical but stable condition following surgery.

No officers were struck or injured during the incident.  No other injuries or damage to surrounding houses were reported.