Editor's Note: This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BROWN COUNTY — The Brown County Prosecutor's Office said it intends to file criminal charges against a man shot by police in April, saying he pointed a gun at bystanders and a sheriff's deputy.
That man, who authorities have not identified, was shot three times during the encounter as police were responding to his home for a call of a suicidal person.
It happened late April 20 in rural Brown County, according to Indiana State Police, which investigated the shooting.
Police have said the man drew a handgun and pointed it toward police, prompting an officer to fire his weapon in response. On Thursday, the prosecutor's office clarified it was a Brown County Sheriff's deputy who shot the man.
It was later discovered the man's gun was not loaded.
The encounter was captured on the deputy's body camera.
"After reviewing the evidence and reviewing the bodycam footage, the Brown County Prosecutor's Office finds that the deputy exercised remarkable restraint," the findings state.
The findings state the man pointed his gun at the deputy three times and was commanded 14 times to drop the weapon before he was shot. They also say the man pointed the gun at other civilians.
"The fact that the revolver was later found to be unloaded was found to be unpersuasive in the Brown County Prosecutor's Office's determination as it is unreasonable to require the deputy, or any other Hoosier, to have such knowledge when there is reasonable fear for one's life. In short, neither the deputy nor the eyewitnesses knew whether or not the revolver was loaded," the findings state.
The prosecutor's office said the body camera footage will be released to the public once the criminal case is resolved.
WRTV has requested the name of the deputy involved.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-
Indiana executes Roy Lee Ward for teen's 2001 murder
Indiana executed Roy Lee Ward by lethal injection early Friday morning for the 2001 rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne in Spencer County.
Childhood leukemia: One family's journey to remission offers hope
Inside Riley Hospital, Teagan Riley’s morning began like any routine checkup, but this was no ordinary appointment. The 5-year-old was ringing the bell to mark the end of cancer therapy.
Mozel Sanders Foundation seeking 800 volunteers for Thanksgiving Day meal
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and one organization that makes sure Hoosiers have a hot meal on that day needs your help.
Banana Ball is coming to Indy: Indianapolis Clowns included in league expansion
The Savannah Bananas, known for their wild antics and unique brand of baseball, announced the inaugural season of the Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL) on Thursday.
