2 Indiana Law Enforcement Officers Shot At Point-Blank Range During Traffic Stop

Mitchell, IN – Two Indiana law enforcement officers were shot early Sunday morning after a gunbattle broke out during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred in the 4800-block of State Road 37 at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Feb. 5, after officers stopped a driver for an alleged traffic violation, WBND reported.

Indiana State Police (ISP) Sergeant John Perrine said a police K9 responded to the scene during the stop and alerted officers the male suspect had narcotics in the vehicle.

The suspect was later identified as 29-year-old Anthony Richmond, WISH reported.

The ISP said police searched Richmond’s vehicle and located narcotics inside, so they went to place the suspect under arrest, according to The Herald-Times.

But as they were placing him in handcuffs, police said Richmond took off running across the highway.

When they caught up to him, the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and opened fire on the officers at point-blank range, hitting two of them in the process, according to WBND.

One of the officers was able to return fire, WISH reported.

Richmond was hit by the officer’s bullets and was treated at the scene by other officers, but he ultimately succumbed to his wounds in the ambulance.

The wounded officers were both rushed to IU Bedford Hospital before they were flown to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, WISH reported.

Just arrived on scene where two officers have been shot and injured in Mitchell Indiana. This is next to Sinclair gas station off state road 37. State police investigating. Will have more updates at 9am. @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/9pApmg4ujK

— Matthew Fultz (@matthewfultztv) February 5, 2023

Mitchell Police Department (MPD) Officer Christian Anderson was shot once and remained hospitalized in stable condition on Sunday, according to the ISP.

Officer Anderson has been with the MPD for three years, The Herald-Times reported.

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Joshua Rhoades was shot twice in the attack and has since been released from the hospital to continue his recovery at home, according to WISH.

Deputy Rhoades is a five-year veteran of the LCSO, The Herald-Times reported.

Investigators said the incident was captured on the officers’ bodycams and on dashcam.

The ISP is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting, WISH reported.

“This tragic incident underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face each day, even in our beloved Lawrence County,” Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day told the news outlet. “I am extremely proud of the actions and response by officers from my office as well as our law enforcement and first responder partners.”

“I am very thankful Deputy Rhoades and Officer Anderson will make full recoveries, and I am mindful that a family is mourning the loss of a loved one,” Sheriff Day continued. “The lives of many people were affected by a senseless criminal act. Thank you to our brave officers for their dedication and courage.”