The Lead Off

• A Dunkirk man is facing attempted murder and other felony charges after allegedly shooting a man in Montpelier and fleeing from police.
• Investigators say the suspect led officers on a pursuit through three Indiana counties before being taken into custody.
• Court documents allege the suspect later livestreamed on Facebook and made claims about the victim while law enforcement was attempting to locate him.

MONTPELIER, IND. (WOWO) A Dunkirk man has been charged with attempted murder after investigators say he shot a man multiple times outside a Montpelier residence, led officers on a multi-county pursuit, and later livestreamed statements about the incident on social media.

According to court documents and previous reports, the incident began shortly after 5 p.m. on June 15 in the 300 block of East Brice Street in Montpelier according to WIXN.

Shooting reported outside residence

Officers with the Montpelier Police Department were dispatched to the area at approximately 5:06 p.m. on reports that a man had been shot.

When officers arrived, they found a 46-year-old man suffering from injuries consistent with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided life-saving treatment at the scene before the victim was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital for advanced medical care.

Investigators said the victim survived the shooting.

Suspect allegedly waited outside home

According to court documents, Vincent Wesley, 28, arrived at a residence in a white Dodge Charger and began knocking on the door.

A person inside the home reportedly chose not to answer and contacted the victim, who also lived at the residence, to inform him of the situation.

Court records indicate Wesley remained outside the property for nearly three hours, pacing around the residence while waiting for the victim to arrive.

When the victim returned home, witnesses told investigators the two men began speaking before shots were fired.

The witness reported seeing the victim exit his truck before Wesley allegedly shot him. Other individuals in the area reported hearing four to five gunshots.

Victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds

After the shooting, Wesley allegedly fled the scene in the Dodge Charger.

Witnesses immediately went to assist the victim and applied pressure to his wounds until first responders arrived.

According to court documents, officers found the victim lying on his side with three gunshot wounds near his abdomen.

Multi-county pursuit follows

Authorities said a Hartford City police officer later spotted a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description and attempted a traffic stop.

Investigators said Wesley refused to stop and led officers on a pursuit through Blackford, Grant, and Delaware counties.

The chase ultimately ended on Wheeling Pike in Delaware County, where Wesley was taken into custody.

Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions assisted during the pursuit.

Family member reportedly received phone calls

Court records indicate Wesley communicated several times with a family member throughout the day before the shooting.

Investigators said the final call occurred after the shooting. According to court documents, the family member told officers Wesley stated, “I just shot (victim’s name).”

The family member also reported hearing police activity in the background before the call disconnected.

Livestream referenced in court documents

According to investigators, Wesley later began a Facebook livestream while law enforcement officers were attempting to locate him.

Court documents allege that during the livestream, Wesley claimed he had killed the victim and accused the victim of being a pedophile.

Authorities have not announced any criminal charges related to the livestream itself.

Court records indicate Wesley and the victim were acquainted and had previously been involved in an altercation during May.

Charges filed

According to online court records, Wesley is charged with:

• Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony
• Aggravated Battery, a Level 3 Felony
• Criminal Recklessness, a Level 5 Felony

The charges are allegations, and Wesley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Court proceedings ahead

Court records show Wesley’s jury trial is currently scheduled to begin on Feb. 9, 2027.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to continue pretrial proceedings in the coming months as the case moves through the Blackford County court system.

The Takeaway

Shooting victim survived serious injuries

Investigators say a 46-year-old man was shot multiple times outside his Montpelier residence and was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital for treatment. The victim survived and received emergency medical care following the incident.

Pursuit crossed three counties

Authorities allege the suspect fled the scene and led officers through Blackford, Grant, and Delaware counties before the pursuit ended and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Multiple felony charges remain pending

The suspect faces attempted murder, aggravated battery, and criminal recklessness charges. A jury trial is scheduled for February 2027 as prosecutors continue to pursue the case through the Indiana court system.