News Release

HUNTINGTON — The following two items have been released as an update related to an investigation involving a Dec. 13 shooting incident in Huntington.

First and foremost, Huntington County Prosecutor Amy Richison has recused herself from this investigation.  In her place, Whitley County Prosecutor D.J. Sigler has been assigned to serve as Special Prosecutor.

Secondly, the initial news release stated there was an “exchange of gunfire” during this incident. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that there was no exchange of gunfire but that the officers felt the suspect’s conduct with the backhoe rendered him an imminent danger to both police officers and civilians. As previously released, the suspect, Matthew T. Melzoni, 36, of Wabash, was killed during this incident.

This still remains an active ongoing criminal investigation.  State Police investigators expect to have their investigation complete and turned over to Special Prosecutor D.J. Sigler for review within the next few days.

There is no further information to release at this time.