December 23rd, 2022 - Franklin County, Indiana

Published December 23rd, 2022

A Franklin County, Indiana, deputy sheriff is recovering after being shot early Friday morning. Shortly after midnight, the deputy was called to respond to a report of a man walking along a rural state road holding a small child. As the deputy approached the man and began speaking with him, the man pulled out a handgun and shot the deputy once in the chest, striking his ballistic-resistant vest. The deputy returned fire, hitting the man. The small child was unharmed during the exchange of gunfire.

The injured officer was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. The man who shot the deputy was also transported to the hospital, where his condition is reported as “grave.” Shortly after the first incident, deputies were called to a second crime scene nearby, where they found a woman injured at the residence, believed to be shot. She was taken to the hospital. Her injuries are unknown. Officials believe the two scenes are connected but the investigation is still in its initial stages.