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Suspect in shooting of Ind. officer fatally shot by police in Ky.

The suspect was accused of shooting an officer several times, including in the head, and a statewide manhunt ensued before he was killed in Kentucky the next day

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A man suspected of shooting an Indiana sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot during a confrontation with police in Louisville, NBC Chicago reported.

Indiana State Police and Louisville Metro Police officers located the suspect, Austin Schepers, 33, at a home in Louisville on Jan. 4, according to the report. Schepers had been wanted in connection with the shooting of Orange County Deputy Zach Andry in West Baden Springs, Indiana, about 56 miles from Louisville.

Authorities reported that Schepers was shot and killed during a confrontation at the residence, though details about the incident were not immediately available, according to the report.

The initial shooting occurred when Andry approached Schepers’ vehicle, which was stopped in the middle of the road. As the deputy engaged with Schepers, the suspect opened fire multiple times before fleeing, according to the report.

Andry, who was struck multiple times, including in the head, remained in critical but stable condition as of Jan. 4. A statewide Blue Alert had been issued to locate Schepers prior to the fatal encounter in Louisville.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com