Indiana State Police investigating officer-involved shooting in Pendleton

At the request of the Pendleton Police Department, the Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 69 at the 219 mile marker.

That’s near the interchange with State Road 38 on the west side of Pendleton.

A preliminary investigation by the Pendleton District Criminal Investigation Division determined at approximately 4:35 p.m., officers from the Pendleton Police Department and Madison County Sherriff’s Office were dispatched to a man walking on Interstate 69 near the 219 mile marker (the Pendleton/Lapel exit). While interacting with the individual, he produced a knife from his jacket pocket. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation with repeated verbal commands for the man to drop the knife.

After ignoring police commands, the man proceeded to advance toward officers aggressively.  The Madison County Deputy deployed a Taser, that was ineffective, followed by the Pendleton officer firing his department weapon, striking the suspect.

Officers immediately attempted to administer aid to the individual. He was transported to IU Health Saxony by ambulance. The suspect was later pronounced deceased. The man’s identity is being withheld until notification has been made to the family.

The identity of the involved officer will be released at a later time. The officer has been placed on administered leave pending the outcome of the investigation per department procedure.

This investigation is ongoing; further information will be released later.