News Release

COLUMBIA CITY — Detectives from the Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place just before 8 p.m. Sunday, April 20, on SR 9 south of Columbia City.

Earlier in the evening, the Fort Wayne Police Department was called to a possible homicide. They were given a vehicle description that the suspect was reported leaving the scene in. The vehicle was located and ended up being pursued by FWPD.

Troopers from the ISP Fort Wayne Post joined the pursuit, which ended in Whitley County. Along with the 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 ISP troopers involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in officer-involved shootings.

ISP troopers were assisted by the 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.