WASHINGTON COUNTY — Indiana State Police detectives from the Sellersburg Post have launched an investigation after an apparent shooting and subsequent vehicle crash left one person dead in a rural area of Washington County on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred on June 13th, at approximately 7:30 p.m., emergency dispatchers with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department received an automated vehicle-crash alert originating from the 8000 block of South Big Springs Road. The crash site is located in Pierce Township, roughly nine miles south of Salem.
Local first responders, deputies, and fire personnel rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency workers discovered evidence that prompted deputies to immediately request backup and specialized assistance from the Indiana State Police (ISP).
ISP detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the rural roadway to take over the primary investigation. According to state police, evidence collected at the scene suggests that a shooting took place, which may have precipitated or immediately followed the vehicle’s crash.
Forensic teams spent hours mapping the scene, analyzing the damaged vehicle, and gathering physical evidence. Investigators are currently working to reconstruct the exact timeline of events to determine the precise circumstances that led to both the gunfire and the collision.
Authorities have confirmed that one individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. While the identity of the victim is being withheld by state police pending further forensic verification and the progression of the case, officials noted that the victim’s next of kin have been formally notified.
State police emphasized that they currently have no information indicating an ongoing threat or danger to the general public. The incident is being approached as an isolated event.
Detectives are continuing their efforts to identify, track down, and interview all individuals who may have been involved in or witnessed the encounter.
As the investigation remains in its earliest stages, state police have not released information regarding potential suspects or a motive. Officials state that updates will be provided to the public as the case develops.
