FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) A man was shot and killed by Fort Wayne Police officers Tuesday afternoon after authorities say he pointed what appeared to be a long gun toward officers during a prolonged mental health crisis response on the city’s southeast side.
The Lead Off
- Fort Wayne Police responded to a reported mental health crisis involving an armed man on Howell Avenue
- Specialized crisis and tactical units spent hours attempting to communicate and de-escalate the situation
- Officers opened fire after the man allegedly pushed what appeared to be a rifle toward police, according to investigators
Officers respond to mental health crisis call
Fort Wayne Police officers were dispatched at approximately 2:14 p.m. to a residence in the 1800 block of Howell Avenue regarding reports of an adult male experiencing a mental health crisis who may have been armed with a firearm.
According to police, officers were already familiar with the individual after responding to at least three similar incidents involving him in recent days.
Upon arrival, officers attempted multiple forms of communication and de-escalation efforts in an attempt to peacefully resolve the situation.
Specialized units called to scene
When initial attempts to communicate were unsuccessful, police requested assistance from several specialized units, including:
- Fort Wayne Police Emergency Services Team
- Crisis Response Team
- Air Support Unit
Police said concerns for nearby residents and surrounding homes contributed to the decision to expand the response.
Investigators said members of the Emergency Services Team later observed the man lying on the ground just inside the front door of the residence.
Crisis teams attempted communication
According to police, the Crisis Response Team established contact with the individual multiple times during the incident.
However, officers reported hearing only an open phone line and incoherent mumbling.
Authorities said crisis personnel were also working with a local hospital and mental health court to obtain a court order for a mental health evaluation.
Police stated the man opened the front door on several occasions during the standoff but did not initially take further action.
Officers fire after perceived threat
Police say the situation escalated when the individual allegedly opened the front door again and pushed what appeared to be a long gun toward officers.
“At that point, several Fort Wayne Police officers, believing the individual was about to fire upon them, discharged their weapons,” officials said in a statement.
The man was struck by gunfire.
Medical personnel were called to the scene immediately and attempted lifesaving measures, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations underway
The Allen County Coroner’s Office is expected to release the man’s identity after next-of-kin notification has been completed.
As part of standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
Indiana State Police are conducting a parallel investigation into the shooting.
Fort Wayne Police officials emphasized that officers and crisis personnel spent an extended period attempting to resolve the situation peacefully before the shooting occurred.
“Our goal from the beginning was a peaceful resolution,” police said. “Unfortunately, the situation escalated when the individual presented a rifle toward officers.”
Next steps in the investigation
Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Additional details, including the number of officers involved and whether body camera footage will be released, have not yet been announced.
The Takeaway
- Fort Wayne Police fatally shot a man Tuesday afternoon during a prolonged mental health crisis response at a residence on Howell Avenue after officers say he pointed what appeared to be a rifle toward them.
- Crisis negotiators, tactical officers, and mental health personnel spent hours attempting to communicate with the individual and secure a peaceful resolution before the shooting occurred.
- Indiana State Police are conducting a parallel investigation, while the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the review.
