A traffic stop Monday morning by the Greencastle Police Department resulted in a motorist being rushed to the hospital with an injury.
According to Greencastle Police assistant chief Ed Wilson, Greencastle police officer Justin Herd initiated a traffic stop on State Road 240 shortly after midnight Monday. The stop turned into a driving while intoxicated investigation. While Herd was speaking with the male driver, the officer noticed the driver brandished a handgun while remaining seated inside the car.
Wilson said Herd took cover, attempted to de-escalate the situation and began to order the driver to put the gun away. However, the driver did not comply and instead turned the gun on himself, firing one shot and injuring himself. No shots were fired by Greencastle Police and the driver was transported from the scene. The Greencastle Police Department was assisted by the DePauw University Police and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
"A review of body camera footage determined that Officer Herd acted accordingly. Although this is a horrible situation, we are pleased with Officer Herd's decision making during this tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving event. Our thoughts are with the driver and his family at this time," Wilson said.
Wilson pointed to the training the Greencastle Police Department and its officers undertake in preparing for incidents.
"The Greencastle Police Department holds its officer's training at a high standard in preparation of unfortunate incidents such as these," Wilson said.
Lucas Oil named title partner of 500 Festival Parade
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
SW Parke Community Schools looking at Revision Project
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
Scholarship Fund honors former Coach Blank
Winter Storm Watch in effect for the weekend, heavy snow possible
