FAYETTE COUNTY – The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Indiana State Police to conduct an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred during the late hours of March 29, 2026.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., Fayette County Deputies responded to a residence near the 6000 block of County Road 200 E on a report of a domestic disturbance involving shots fired. Preliminary investigations revealed that when officers arrived, they quickly established a perimeter around the residence and attempted to make contact with the occupants, calling for the three individuals inside to exit the home safely.
Approximately an hour after the perimeter was established, officers observed a male suspect, identified as Michael Sims, 71, inside the residence, pointing a firearm at other individuals still inside, and then toward law enforcement.  At that time, a deputy discharged his department-issued rifle, striking the suspect.
Paramedics on scene immediately initiated life-saving measures; however, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sims’ family has been notified.
No deputies or other individuals were reported injured during the incident.
Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators with the Indiana State Police are currently processing the scene and conducting a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the shooting.
As is standard protocol, the involved deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Connersville Police Department, the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, and the Fayette County Prosecutor’s Office assisted the Indiana State Police in this investigation.
Upon completion, the findings will be presented to the Fayette County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
No further information will be released at this time.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
