Wayne County Detective Lieutenant Fatally Shot; Richmond-Area Law Enforcement in Shock.
Richmond, IN —Tragedy struck Wayne County on Thursday night as a veteran detective lieutenant with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department was shot and killed in the line of duty. The incident has left the Richmond community and surrounding law enforcement agencies in a state of mourning and disbelief.
Authorities say the shooting occurred during an active investigation in a residential area on the outskirts of Richmond. The detective, whose name is being withheld pending family notification, was reportedly following up on leads related to a recent string of violent crimes when the encounter turned deadly.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, the officer was pronounced dead at Reid Health shortly after arrival.
The suspect fled the scene and a manhunt is currently underway. Multiple agencies, including the Richmond Police Department, Indiana State Police, and surrounding county units, have joined forces in an intensive search operation. No further details about the suspect have been released at this time.
Wayne County Sheriff Mark Daniels spoke briefly at a late-night press conference, stating, “We are heartbroken. We lost one of our best — a leader, a father, and a true public servant. The entire law enforcement community stands united in grief.”
Flags across county buildings have been lowered to half-staff, and local residents have begun placing flowers and candles outside the sheriff’s office in a spontaneous memorial.
The detective lieutenant had served more than 20 years in law enforcement and was known for his commitment to justice and community outreach. His loss marks the first on-duty officer death in Wayne County in over a decade.
Officials urge anyone with information to contact the Wayne County tip line as the investigation continues.
