Dana man killed in officer-involved shooting

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 3:27 PM

By Staff report

Detectives from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post are investigating an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred Wednesday in Vermillion County.

The shooting happened just after 8:30 a.m. It was part of an ongoing incident near the 700 block in Dana.

Earlier, about 6:45 a.m., the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police were dispatched to a residence in Dana following a report of a man pointing a firearm at another individual. Upon arrival, officers assumed defensive positions as a male subject exited the residence while brandishing a firearm. Sheriff Mike Holtcamp then requested assistance of the Terre Haute Police Department's Special Response Team.

When the Special Response Team arrived, the male subject was found outside of the residence, visibly armed. He then pointed this weapon directly at officers, prompting one officer to fire his weapon, striking the male subject. The Terre Haute Special Response Trauma Team immediately provided medical aid. The male subject was transported to a hospital in Clinton, where he subsequently died from his injuries.

The identity of the deceased is Michael Landers, 57, of Dana.

The officer involved in this incident has been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in officer-involved shootings.

The investigation is being conducted by Indiana State Police Detectives Ryan Winters and Don Curtis with the assistance of Sergeant Michael Featherling, CSI Sergeant Tim Rader, and CSI Michael Organ of the Putnamville State Police Post.

Assisting agencies included the Terre Haute Police Department Special Response Team, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton City Police Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, and Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office.

This is an active and ongoing Indiana State Police investigation. Upon completion of their investigation, Indiana State Police detectives will submit a full report of the incident to the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office for review.