A police officer and a suspect were both taken to the hospital after an officer-involved shooting.
It happened just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in the 1300 block of Elwood Avenue in South Bend when police were called on the report of an unwanted person, according to 95.3 MNC’s reporting partners at ABC 57.
The incident resulted in an altercation between the officer and a suspect, ABC 57 reported.
The suspect reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was listed in critical condition as of late Tuesday night.
The officer was taken to the hospital by another officer. The officer was treated and released.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit is investigating the incident. They released the following information about the shooting late Tuesday night:
St. Joseph County – On March 27, 2018, at approximately 6:00 pm, officers with the South Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 1300 block of Elwood Avenue in reference to an unwanted party refusing to leave. South Bend police dispatched officers to respond. One (1) officer arrived before any others. Witnesses advised investigators that during the course of the response, the unwanted person assaulted that officer and a physical confrontation ensued. During that confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the unwanted person. The unwanted person was rushed to the hospital. He is in critical condition. The officer was also transported to the hospital. He was treated and released.
In order to protect the integrity of the investigation and pursuant to protocol, the County Metro Homicide Unit was activated to investigate this matter.
While detectives with the CMHU have interviewed a number of witnesses to this incident, the CMHU continues to investigate and process evidence.
The names of the officer and the unwanted person are being withheld until family members are contacted.
Because this incident occurred outside, other members of the community (either from that neighborhood or driving by) may have observed what had occurred. Anyone who has any information or saw what happened are urged to contact the CMHU at 574-235-5009.
At this time, no arrests have been made.
