NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. (WPTA) – A police-action shooting that occurred in North Manchester last month has been deemed justified, according to an announcement made Monday by the Wabash County Prosecutor’s Office.
Incident Background
The shooting followed an hours-long standoff involving Jacob Slocum, a suspect who allegedly committed theft at a Meijer store in Fort Wayne on December 3. Slocum, after allegedly stealing a $600 speaker, walked out of the store, where he reportedly pointed a firearm at employees trying to stop him.
The incident escalated as law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police (ISP), Fort Wayne Police, and North Manchester Police, collaborated to locate Slocum. Authorities tracked him to a trailer in North Manchester, where he was believed to be hiding. When ISP SWAT officers attempted to engage with Slocum, he allegedly fired at the officers, prompting a response.
Shooting and Aftermath
In response to Slocum’s gunfire, officers returned fire, striking him. He was subsequently transported by helicopter to a hospital with serious injuries. His current condition remains undisclosed, although he is listed as wanted in online court records.
Charges and Investigation
In connection with the alleged robbery, Slocum faces several felony charges, including:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
- Intimidation
- Pointing a firearm at another
- Resisting law enforcement by drawing a weapon
- Criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon
- Theft
The Wabash County Prosecutor’s Office conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, including police reports, witness statements, incident footage, and other relevant evidence. The findings concluded that the officers’ use of deadly force was justified.
The office stated that it was “clear” the officers had acted within reason, as it was “necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to themselves or other officers in the immediate area.”
