WHITLEY CO. – Detectives from the Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on April 20, just before 8:00 p.m. on State Road 9 south of Columbia City.
Earlier in the evening, the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) was called to a possible homicide. They were given a vehicle description that the suspect was reported to have driven away in. The vehicle was located and was eventually pursued by the FWPD. Troopers from the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post joined the pursuit, which ended in Whitley County. Along with FWPD and ISP, Whitley County and Allen County Sheriff’s Departments also joined the pursuit of the homicide suspect as it went through several jurisdictions. At some point near the end of the pursuit, the suspect fired shots at officers. Officers from several agencies returned fire.
After a brief standoff, officers were able to make contact with the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. There were no other people in the vehicle. One Trooper sustained minor injuries from being struck by broken glass. All Indiana State Police Troopers involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in officer-involved shootings.
This is an ongoing investigation, and it will take time to complete. The investigation will determine which officers fired their weapons and if the cause of death was self-inflicted or a result of the officer involved shooting. The identity of the deceased, as well as the exact cause of death, will be released after further investigation by the coroner.
Indiana State Police Troopers were assisted by Indiana State Police SWAT, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department EST (SWAT), Fort Wayne Police Department ESU (DRONE), Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Whitley County Coroner’s office, and Parkview EMS.
If there are any questions related to the homicide in Fort Wayne, please direct them to the Fort Wayne Police Department.Â
