MUNCIE — One person was fatally shot early Sunday during a confrontation with Muncie police.
At 2:09 a.m., Muncie Police Department officers were called to investigate a person who was reported to be suicidal, according to information from Indiana State Police. Officers were originally unable to find the person, but the person was found in an alley near 14th and South High streets about 20 minutes later.
"During their encounter with the person the officers discharged their weapons wounding the person," a news release from Indiana State Police said. "The person shot was transported to the hospital where they were pronounced deceased a short time later."
Investigators found a plastic BB gun and a knife at the scene, Indiana State Police said. Taylor Christian Warner, 30, was killed in the incident.
Muncie Police Department Chief Nathan Sloan said the officers did not receive any life-threatening injuries and there are no other suspects. State police said the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty.
The officers involved in the incident had functional body cameras on at the time of the incident, according to the release from ISP.
Indiana State Police detectives, the Muncie Police Department and the Delaware County Prosecutor's Office are investigating the shooting.
On Sunday afternoon, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman released the following statement regarding the incident:
As Prosecuting Attorney I have been briefed concerning the facts and circumstances surrounding an officer involved shooting that took place at approximately 2:09 this morning. The incident is being investigated by experienced and seasoned detectives from the Indiana State Police. I have no doubt that they will conduct a thorough and complete investigation. Once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to me for review. The Indiana State Police have issued two (2) press releases today concerning this matter. I do not anticipate making any further public comment on this investigation until such time as it complete.
It is important to remember that any accusation that someone has committed a crime, an arrest and/or the filing of a criminal charge is simply an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. All people are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The ethical rules for prosecutors in Indiana prohibit further comment on this matter. At this time, there will be no further comment.
The person was the third to be shot by police in Delaware County since May.
On June 26, a 38-year-old man was shot and killed by Delaware County Sheriff's Office deputies after he led authorities on slow-moving chase while allegedly firing a gun in their direction.
In May, Muncie police shot and wounded a 41-year-old man who they said came at an officer with an ax.
PREVIOUS | Man shot by officers after leading police on chase in Delaware County | Muncie police shoot suspect when he comes at officer with ax
