DANA – Detectives from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred this morning, April 23, 2025, at approximately 8:40 a.m. near the 700 block in Dana, Indiana. The investigation is being conducted at the request of Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Holtcamp.
The incident unfolded after the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police were dispatched to a residence in Dana around 6:45 a.m. following a report of a man allegedly pointing a firearm at another individual. Upon arrival, officers established defensive positions as a male subject exited the residence while brandishing a gun. Sheriff Holtcamp subsequently requested the assistance of the Terre Haute Police Department’s Special Response Team.
Upon the arrival of the Special Response Team, the male subject was located outside the residence and was visibly armed. According to the preliminary investigation, the subject then pointed his weapon directly at officers, leading one officer to discharge their firearm, striking the male subject. The Terre Haute Special Response Trauma Team immediately administered medical aid at the scene.
The injured man was transported to a hospital in Clinton, Indiana, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The deceased has been identified as Michael Landers, age 57, of Dana, Indiana. His family has been notified.
In line with standard procedure for officer-involved shootings, the officer who discharged their weapon has been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation into the incident is being led by Indiana State Police Detectives Ryan Winters and Don Curtis, with assistance from Sergeant Michael Featherling, CSI Sergeant Tim Rader, and CSI Michael Organ, all of the Putnamville State Police Post.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Terre Haute Police Department Special Response Team, the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department, the Clinton City Police Department, the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, and the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Indiana State Police have stated that this is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Upon the completion of their investigation, detectives will submit a comprehensive report of the incident to the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
