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Update on incident on July 13, 2020 incident on Hoosier Heartland Highway

Last Updated on July 14, 2020 by Cass County Sheriff's Office

SOURCE: News release from Cass County Sheriff’s Office

On July 13, 2020 at approximately 9 p.m., Deputy Joe Gentile was sitting stationary observing traffic flow on State Road 25 near the Cass County and Carroll County line. Deputy Gentile started hearing what he believed to be gunshots and the sound of bullets passing by his vehicle. Deputy Gentile exited his vehicle and took cover while summoning immediate assistance.

A perimeter was established with arriving officers and the Indiana State Police Aviation Unit was called to assist. Prior to the Indiana State Police Aviation Unit arriving, officers found there were three individuals located on a property north east of the intersection of County Road 500 South and County Road 575 West. Further investigation revealed that the individuals were target shooting without a proper back stop. It was determined that an AK47-style firearm was being used and had been fired in the direction of the highway.

The Indiana State Police Aviation Unit arrived on scene and searched the area. It was determined that no other threat existed. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to -contact- Detective Joe Nies at 574-753-780. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Logansport Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana Conservation Officers, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, Flora Police Department, Phoenix Ambulance Service and Carroll County EMS.

“This was not an active shooter situation. It was a case of a gun owner target practicing with a high power rifle without taking safety precautions and shooting towards a safety backstop. Please be a responsible gun owner and ensure safe gun handling rules are followed,” stated Sheriff Ed Schroder.

Alexander Green, 18, of Galveston, Indiana, was incarcerated at the Cass County Jail on charges of criminal recklessness with a firearm, a Level 6 felony.

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Cass County Online