KOKOMO – Howard County Prosecutor Mark McCann announced Thursday that no criminal charges will be filed against the Kokomo police officer who fatally shot a man in August.
McCann determined that Officer Daniel H. Hunkeler's use of deadly force was legally justified under Indiana law.
Officers responded August 2 to the 2100 block of South Lafountain Street following 911 calls reporting gunfire. They encountered Johnathon Shane Landis, 30, armed with a rifle outside an apartment complex. Police said he had discharged the weapon inside the building and again outside while shouting.
According to police findings, Landis refused commands to drop the weapon and continued handling the rifle "in an erratic and threatening manner," creating danger to officers, residents and students in the area, McCann said.
Hunkeler fired a single round, striking Landis, who died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the neck.
"The evidence clearly shows that Officer Hunkeler acted in a manner that was lawful and necessary to protect himself, other responding officers and community members in harm's way," McCann stated.
The Kokomo Police Department will continue its internal administrative review.
