Indiana State Police are investigating after a police pursuit that began in Monon ended with a shooting in Winamac and the death of the driver.
According to Indiana State Police, a Monon Police officer was responding to a disturbance at the VanGuard facility shortly before 1:30 p.m. when the officer saw a Chevrolet Colorado believed to have been involved in the incident.
Police said the officer attempted to stop the Colorado in Monon, but the driver did not stop and fled eastbound on State Road 16.
The pursuit continued east on State Road 16 before traveling north on State Road 39 into Pulaski County. It then continued east on State Road 14, where law enforcement deployed a tire deflation device.
ISP said the Colorado struck the device but continued traveling on State Road 14 into Winamac.
The pursuit eventually ended near Monticello Street and 15th Street.
According to the preliminary investigation, the driver exited the Colorado while armed with a firearm. ISP said the driver is believed to have fired the weapon, and an officer at the scene is also believed to have fired their department firearm during the encounter.
The driver was transported to an area hospital and was later pronounced dead.
The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office will release the driver’s identity and determine the cause and manner of death.
Detectives with the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post are continuing to investigate the shooting. ISP said no additional information is available for release at this time.
Indiana State Police was assisted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Monon Police Department, Winamac Police Department, Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, Pulaski County EMS and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.