UPDATE: Elkhart Police officer shoots suspect during struggle

by Samuel King (king@wsbt.com)

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Elkhart Police officer shot a man near 15th Street and Markle Avenue

Police are investigating after an Elkhart Police officer shot a suspect after a vehicle chase and foot pursuit. It happened just before 10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2008, in the area of 15th Street and Markle Avenue. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jan 3, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

Story Updated: Jan 3, 2008 at 6:10 PM EST

ELKHART — A police chase in Elkhart ended in gunfire, and sent a suspect to the hospital.

The shots rang out just before 10 a.m. Thursday, near 15th Street and Markle Avenue.

This started as a car chase. The suspect dumped the car he was driving at the intersection of 15th Street and Fieldhouse Avenue and then ran down 15th Street toward Markle Avenue.

Neighbors say that's when the tense moments started.

“He ran past me and the car was running, I had my baby in the car,” Brenda Hoopingarner told WSBT News.

Darci Marner and Brenda Hoopingarner were right in the middle of it all as the chase ended and the suspect tried to get away from police.

“I had my other grandbaby, 7 weeks old, in my arms and the guy went to go run back to come through the door,” explained Marner. “I slammed the door and locked it. So he ran over to the neighbors and they let him in over there.“

They say the officer struggled to get inside and used a taser to try and subdue the man.

“He wouldn’t stop and he ran in there and he wouldn’t let him in the door,” Marner said. “The cop kept trying to open the door. The cop just took his gun out and shot right through the door.”

Elkhart Police Chief Dale Phlibsen says the department will conduct an internal investigation to make sure procedures were properly followed with the chase and shooting. In the meantime, the incident itself is being investigated by the state police.

“It’s just to put it to another agency, so we’re not involved with it,” Phlibsen told WSBT News. “The state police can investigate it completely and turn the investigation over to our department and along with the prosecutor’s office.”

Marner and Hoopingarner are just glad no one else besides the suspect was hurt.

“I know we must have angels, too, looking out for us, because we’ve been through a lot of stuff and we’re still alive,” Marner said.

The women say they don't know the man, but have seen him in the neighborhood.

The names of the suspect and the officer have not been released. The officer has been placed on administrative leave until everything is sorted out.

Saturday, Jan 5 at 11:58 AM ar wrote ...

So now we find out the whole story,the thug jumped out a second story window and was then shot in the strugle,NOT thru the door like some ignorant gossiping ladies said!!!

Friday, Jan 4 at 8:14 PM Former Elkarten wrote ...

Aplril, Kasey please do the city of Elkhart a favor and relocate to Mexico or even better Russia. Their laws are more suited to your mentality!

Friday, Jan 4 at 7:29 PM April wrote ...

(TO WIFE OF A POLICE OFFICER) MAYBE IF WE DIDNT HAVE SO MANY COPS WHO THINK THEY ARE BIG MACHO MEN. COP MIGHT GET MORE RESPECT!! I WAS WITH A MAN WHO BECAME A COP, THEN..... HE GOT THAT BADGE AND BECAME A REAL JERK!!!

Friday, Jan 4 at 4:07 PM PC wrote ...

Lucky he didn't bust into my home. He would have been shot from inside the house. All police officers, thanks for all you do.

Friday, Jan 4 at 1:55 PM Gina wrote ...

Ok so let's play the "what if" game - we can do that all day long but I don't want to. Let's play the FACTS GAME!!! The FACTS are NO ONE but the perpetrator was injured. The FACTS are the perpetrator BROKE THE LAW. The FACTS are the perpetrator RAN FROM THE POLICE. Stop making this into something it's not. Don't play the WHAT IF game it never works out and NO ONE wins.

Friday, Jan 4 at 1:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Kasey wonders why Elkhart officer involved shootings are all justified? Could it be the officers are well trained! Elkhart is not a small town without crime. Guns are everywhere nowadays, just watch the news. I say, Thank you Elkhart Police Department for training your officers to react quickly to protect us. Criminals do not have any sense of right and wrong, hence why they break the law. They are the people who are carrying guns. Sounds like the guy who was shot made bad choices.

Friday, Jan 4 at 12:25 PM Goshen wrote ...

Last comment from Goshen on this story becasue all we are doing is feeding the attention seekers Kasey and Jaron.I am glad to see that our community obviously supports our policemen and women and that we refuse to let that very very small population of those who dont's influence our opinion. Kasey and Jaron,I feel sorry for you as you have chosen to support those who would be the first to harm you rather than those who would risk their lives in a heartbeat to save you.To all,ignore the ignorant!

Friday, Jan 4 at 11:41 AM Wife of a Police Officer wrote ...

Want to see human rights violated? Spend time with a police officer on the job. They get spit on, kicked, shot at, etc by criminals; and yes I've witnessed that and more. As for 'realistic', people who break the law are CRIMINALS NOT VICTIMS!Isn't it 'ironic' negative comments usually come from the criminal element! It's sickening narrow minded people like Kasey have the need to judge Police before knowing all the facts. THANK YOU TO ALL THE POLICE, THEY RISK THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY TO PROTECT US!

Friday, Jan 4 at 10:03 AM kc9ixv the late great usa wrote ...

we dont know all the fact's here. we cant see through the cops eyes and believe me im not a government worshiping slave and i dont lick their boot's either like most do.i never had a problem in elkhart city but in goshen they harass the people and thats why i moved out of there.they would always pull me over 2 or 3 times a week and ask if i had guns,drugs or stolen good's and i ask why and they said we dont want goshen turning into elkhart.i have no record and never gave them any suspicion

Friday, Jan 4 at 9:56 AM Anonymous wrote ...

How 'bout the SB policemen involved in the drug conspiracy...that is a bit more corrupt than officers doing their jobs and protecting the citizens and themselves. Did you notice there were children in the area? I personally would want an officer to do whatever necessary to get the loser away from my kids! Say he had a gun and took one of them hostage. Oh wait, he wasn't given the chance to, thanks to the EPD!

Friday, Jan 4 at 9:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...

These "corrupt" officers put on a uniform and protect YOU everyday, Kasey! I bet if that was your home he invaded, or that of a loved one, you may have a different take on this, huh!

Friday, Jan 4 at 9:26 AM Dan-Elkhart wrote ...

Kasey, if you're so "educated" then you would know that there isn't an Elkhart County Police Department. Any comments against the officer or department are premature and obviously uninformed opinions. Why is it that our police officers are not afforded the same "innocent until proven guilty" leniency that violators are given? If someone who was running from the police came bursting through my front door, I'd want the officer to shoot him as well before he harmed me, if I didn't do it first!

Friday, Jan 4 at 9:08 AM jaron wrote ...

Since when was it okay to bust shots through a closed door and call it justified. Seems like you guys are relying on the fact that this was luck. What if the guy had a kid from in the house and used him as a shield to help block the door. But let's not think about that until some idiot runs in your house and the cops starting shooting it up. I've never heard such naive talk from so call grown folk. Keep up the good work, Kasey (now it's 98%.)

Friday, Jan 4 at 8:57 AM John Wayne wrote ...

You might be right Kasey, but if I had a reason to shoot I would. The only problem is if this guy had a past record and could no longer be reformed do I need to pay for his Heated and/or Air conditioned provided with Cable TV jail cell. Time to put a few more in the ground and let their maker sort them out.

Friday, Jan 4 at 8:00 AM Warren serving in Kosovo wrote ...

Well, Kasey if you do not like living in the GOOD OLE USA then move to Iraq or Saudi Arabia and live under their laws. If you run from the police there, good luck. It makes me sick to read about someone like you who hates the police and the govenment but hides behind this when you do wrong. For those of you who do not support the wars, it was those of us that step up and serve that gives you this right for you to say your peace. Be proud to be an american, and for those that don't, MOVE.

Friday, Jan 4 at 7:46 AM Amanda wrote ...

Kasey obviously wants attention, so he's making comments to ensure that he does.

Friday, Jan 4 at 6:05 AM kasey wrote ...

Gee Goshen, hate to disapoint you but I am highly educated just a bit more realistic than others.

Friday, Jan 4 at 4:18 AM eg wrote ...

so a cop shot some scumbag criminal. good for the cop. the scumbag deserved it. if the criminal would of stopped when told to do so by the cop, he would not have been shot. it's that simple!!!!

Thursday, Jan 3 at 10:17 PM Goshen wrote ...

Again Kasey, you make yet another undeucated comment. It's obvious that 99% (all but you) support our men in blue. If things are so horrible here, I'm sure we'd all wish you well in moving somewhere else! P.S. I am NOT part of the "old boys club" - just a simple citizen who appreciates and respects those who protect us!

Thursday, Jan 3 at 7:45 PM mark wrote ...

It amazing to read to all the comments that have been posted,but people must remeber that the investigation is being done by an outside agency with no links to the officer involed or the suspect and will be placed before a grand jury to decide if any further actions againist the officer is necessary not the suspect.remember he had less then 1 second to choose shoot or not or here the call go out officer down

Thursday, Jan 3 at 6:35 PM Todd wrote ...

I think the officer did the right thing if he had not done that there would have been a hostage situation going on for about 8 hours. Good job officer!!!Keep up the good work, he should get an award for acting fast and fast thinking.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 6:32 PM Kasey wrote ...

Gee..how ironic most comments come from 'the old boys club'

Thursday, Jan 3 at 6:17 PM kasey gat a life wrote ...

All the findings are justified because they are highly trained and follow that training..

Thursday, Jan 3 at 6:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...

He should have stopped running police are out for our safty

Thursday, Jan 3 at 6:00 PM Josh wrote ...

I think it is very funny how people can sit at home and degrade police officers..But like everyone else said...when someone is breaking into their residence..they do not hesitate to pick up their phone and dial 911 for help.. these people who feel this way should put their full name and address and police should not respond to their residence for anything..only makes sense right? If the guy was shot because he was breaking into your house it would be ok right. We want to go home to our family to

Thursday, Jan 3 at 5:44 PM Nick wrote ...

I am a law enforcement officer in the area and I'm not going to waste my time talking about Kasey, instead the actual incident. This officer was in a struggle and probably not knowing if this guy had a gun decided to take action to ensure that he's the first one to make it home that night. I would of done the same thing to save my life. None of us were there so those of you who criticize, why don't you get all the facts first. Better yet, walk in our shoes for awhile and you'll fully understand!

Thursday, Jan 3 at 5:20 PM Kasey wrote ...

Where was the taser? I don't need to spend time in Elkhart, it is no worse than South Bend, it's just the Police are corrupt.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 5:18 PM Ed wrote ...

I am a Police Officer and it is very encouaging to see the support in this blog. I know most people don't understand what we see day to day and usually things like this create negative responses.THANKS TO THOES WHO HAVE OFFERED THEIR SUPPORT.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 4:20 PM Gina wrote ...

OH MY GOSH! It isn't life threatening and even if it was - DON'T RUN FROM THE POLICE & DON'T BREAK THE LAW it's really that simple.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:44 PM Jimmy wrote ...

Hey Kasey - Why don't you spend one night working the streets of Elkhart as a police officer and we'll see how you do. People are way too quick to judge the police but then expect their help when they need them. They are extremely underpaid to deal with the criminal element and to have to protect and serve people like you, who do not respect them. If you ever have to dail 911 think about that. These same men and women that you claim are corrupt keep the city safe so you can sleep at night.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:44 PM Larry wrote ...

Kasey in regards to your 12:38pm comment...All Police shootings in Elkhart County go before the Grand Jury. That is 6 everyday folks, like yourself, who have declared each and every Elkhart Police shooting justified. Maybe the bad guys just need to get a better clue. If you fight or point a gun or any other weapon at a Police Officer then bad things are going to happen to you. That Police Officer has every right to go home to his family. And remember the bad guys bring this all on themselves.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:25 PM Melody wrote ...

Kasey, any police officer is justified in shootng a suspect who is stuggling with him. Just ask Cpl Scott Severns mother. I am sick if do gooders who blame the police for morons that break the law.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:22 PM Amy wrote ...

Kasey...stay out of trouble & you wont have those types of problems. I have never had that happen to me, nor anyone I know. We apparently dont break the law to the extent that requires that type of treatment by the police. Get a grip.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:20 PM Goshen wrote ...

Well Kasey if you've "witnessed" this so many times, maybe you should rethink your friends or perhaps your own actions. If you are ever in the situation that "excessive force" needs to be used in order to save your life, would you ask the Elkhart police not to do so or would it then be ok? Police officers risk their lives everyday and it's unthankful people like you that make me sick!

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:13 PM Rusty S. wrote ...

Kasey--With your views, it is safe to assume you would never call 911 for help. I agree with Bill.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:05 PM Mrs. W wrote ...

Well first off if he wasn't doing anything wrong, WHY RUN???? That would be a very red flag to the police if he ran. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that off. Police need to take every precaution to protect themselves. Should have tasered the hell out of that idiot...

Thursday, Jan 3 at 2:38 PM Kasey wrote ...

No...I have seen time after time the 'corruptness' in the Elkhart County Police Department. They violate human rights, and use excessive force on a regular basis, but are always 'justified' in their actions.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 2:25 PM Bill wrote ...

Glad to hear its not life threatening. Proficient use of force may help persuade criminals to rethink their ability to out run police. Sounds like force was stepped up when situation deemed necessary. A commendation should be given to the officer and the offender got what he deserved, justice........thank God for the men in blue!!!!!

Thursday, Jan 3 at 2:24 PM loser wrote ...

that is a sad storry

Thursday, Jan 3 at 2:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

These men and women volunteer to serve and protect the public and are paid well to do so

Thursday, Jan 3 at 2:03 PM Amy wrote ...

Maybe, (although doubtful) this will serve as a warning/reminder that if you break the law, or are suspected of breaking the law & run from the authorities...there will be consequences. It's pretty pathetic that I am more afraid of my Mother than most people these days are afraid of the law and police that uphold the law...and I'm only 26 years old...thats just ridiculous.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 1:51 PM Bob wrote ...

Why did the suspect try to out drive and then out run the police? Because he is a bad guy!!! If the police pull me over I dont run from them, because I don't have a reason to. So you need to ask yourself, why do these shootings happen to people that obey the law, OOOOHHHH they dont!!! it only happens to people that break the laws and put every law bidding citizen at risk.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 1:31 PM Sherry wrote ...

If you run from the police that is suspect enough for force to be used. Abide by the law and then there will be no question as to if there is or isn't justification. Act responsibly, seems today everyone wants to claim "victim" regardless of their involvement of possible wrong doings. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND THE CONSEQUENCES.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 1:31 PM Devine wrote ...

I see it this way... The law officers have to protect themselfs and the town folks... so if this 27 year old was doing something that broke the law such as running from an officer then the cop has every right to fire. If I'm wrong on this then please tell me so. I mean isn't that what they do in the movies and its okay so why not in real life?

Thursday, Jan 3 at 1:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Kasey, lets not trash the Elkhart Police Department. These men and women volunteer to serve and protect the public and we need to be thankful for them. You should wait until all of the facts are known before making such a harsh comment.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 12:51 PM Bill wrote ...

Maybe that is because they are justified? I'm glad the officer is OK, I don't care about the punk who ran and fought.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 12:50 PM Cheryl wrote ...

I suppose Kasey that may what you see but I see a town falling apart and full of violence. Why run? Is that the right thing to do? No! So you tell me what is a person or an officer to do. Struggle and let the offender shot him or some other innocent person? The answer to that is a big NO as well.

Thursday, Jan 3 at 12:38 PM Kasey wrote ...

Isn't it ironic that most shootings by police happen in Elkhart and they are all justified?

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