From Indiana State Police
| Update – Officer Involved Shooting Leaves One Man In Critical Condition Columbus, IN – The investigation into the officer involved shooting early Sunday morning continues, however investigators have released the following information. Early Sunday morning Sergeant Lukas Nibarger, a seven-year veteran with the Columbus Police Department, responded to a residence in the 3000 block of Grove Parkway to investigate a suspicious person on the property. Upon arriving at the residence, he encountered a man later identified as Jacob Dale Rice, 38, Columbus, IN. Rice ignored the officers verbal commands and attempted to flee on foot. Sgt. Nibarger chased Rice into the back yard of the residence where he again gave verbal commands in an attempt to detain Rice. Investigators believe Rice fired one round from a firearm towards Sgt. Nibarger. Sgt. Nibarger was not struck and was able to return fire with his department issued handgun striking Rice one time.Sgt. Nibarger called for an ambulance, which arrived within minutes and was able to provide medical attention to Rice. Rice was transported to the Columbus Municipal Airport where a medical helicopter was waiting to transport him to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Rice remains in the hospital and is still listed as being in critical condition.The investigation revealed Rice had stolen the firearm used in the shooting from a car in the Columbus area before his interaction with Sgt. Nibarger. Investigators do not believe Rice was able to make entry into the residence before being confronted by Sgt. Nibarger. The investigation is still ongoing. The Indiana State Police will forward their report to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor when completed. *Original Release*Columbus, IN – The Columbus Police Department has requested assistance from detectives and crime scene investigators from the Indiana State Police Versailles Post to investigate an officer involved shooting which took place in the city of Columbus early this morning. At approximately 4:05 a.m. this morning, a homeowner from the 3000 block of Grove Parkway was out of town on vacation. The homeowner noticed security footage showing an unknown person on his property. The homeowner contacted 911 to report the suspicious activity. A Columbus police officer arrived at the residence at approximately 4:12 a.m. At 4:13 the officer reported shots had been fired. The officer requested an ambulance which arrived on scene approximately one minute later to provide medical care to the suspect. The suspect has been transported to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he is currently undergoing surgery and is believed to be in critical condition. The officer was not injured in the shooting and has been placed on administrative leave per Columbus Police Department protocol.This is an active and ongoing criminal investigation by the Indiana State Police. Once the criminal investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office for their review and determination of charges, if any, to be filed. Investigators will release the name of the suspect when the information is available. The name of the officer involved in this incident may be released by the Columbus Police Department after the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office has reviewed the completed case investigation and subsequently authorizes the release of that information. |