Indiana Fugitive Tries Bringing Chainsaw To Gunfight Then Swaps It For Shotgun And Still Loses

Laconia, IN – A Harrison County sheriff’s deputy shot a suspect who pointed a shotgun at him on Friday when he went to a home in Laconia to arrest a fugitive on multiple warrants in both Indiana and Kentucky.

The Indiana State Police (ISP) said Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean O’Sullivan went to a residence in the 10000-block of North Tobacco Landing Road on Nov. 4 to arrest 28-year-old Michael W. Kerns, WAVE reported.

Officials said that when Deputy O’Sullivan arrived at Kerns’ residence, he found the fugitive standing inside of a detached garage with the door open.

ISP said that Deputy O’Sullivan was wearing his full sheriff’s department uniform and driving a marked patrol unit when he arrived at the home and could not have been mistaken for anything other than law enforcement.

Authorities said that initially, the suspect walked toward the deputy carrying a chainsaw, according to WAVE.

Deputy O’Sullivan ordered Kerns to put the chainsaw down and come outside.

ISP said that Kerns ignored Deputy O’Sullivan’s commands and instead went further into the garage and grabbed a shotgun, WAVE reported.

Officials said the preliminary investigation indicated that Kerns raised the shotgun and pointed it at the deputy.

Deputy O’Sullivan drew his duty weapon and fired three shots at Kerns, WAVE reported.

The suspect was shot in the shoulder.

Kerns was taken into custody by deputies after he was shot and they immediately rendered First Aid to the wounded suspect, according to authorities.

He was transported to University Hospital for treatment, WAVE reported.

The state police said Kerns was expected to survive his wounds.

ISP is taking the lead in the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting, WAVE reported.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy O’Sullivan had been placed on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated, as is protocol for all deputy-involved shootings.

Authorities said that Kerns will be facing multiple more charges when he is released from the hospital, WAVE reported.