Holly MatkinNew Harmony, IN – A Posey County sheriff’s deputy was shot while responding to a welfare check on Saturday evening, according to the Indiana State Police (ISP).
The incident began at approximately 6:46 p.m. on Sept. 18, when the Posey County 911 dispatch center received a call for a welfare check at 612 Short Street, ISP Evansville District Sergeant Todd Ringle said in a press release later that night.
Deputies and the New Harmony town marshal responded to the scene within 10 minutes and were outside the home when a man opened fire on them.
The law enforcement officers returned fire, wounding the suspect.
“During the exchange of gunfire, a Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot and critically injured,” Sgt. Ringle confirmed.
The deputy and the suspect were both rushed to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville.
Details regarding their conditions have not been released, but sources told WFIE the deputy was “basically fighting for his life.”
“These types of calls are very nerve wracking,” Sgt. Ringle told WFIE. “We know that in today’s society it is becoming more violent. These officers went to this residence to check on someone…and unfortunately, bad things occurred and right now, a Posey County Deputy is fighting for his life.”
The ISP is handling the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
“Please keep the Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy and his family in your prayers,” Sgt. Ringle said.
The wounded deputy has a wife and family, according to the sergeant.
Posey: ISP is at 612 Short St. in New Harmony investigating the shooting of a Posey Co. Deputy. The deputy is being treated at Deaconess Midtown for his injury. The suspect is also being treated for a gunshot wound. Please keep the deputy and his family in your prayers pic.twitter.com/zIIVlsk3dI
— Sgt. Todd Ringle (@ISPEvansville) September 19, 2021
Current look at the scene of officer-involved shooting on Short Street in New Harmony >>> https://t.co/byKhMTNJfV pic.twitter.com/uKtpvuxJLT
— Noah Alatza (@noahalatza) September 19, 2021
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