Western Indiana sheriff IDs deputy injured in shootout with crime suspect
DANA, Ind. (WISH) — A sheriff’s deputy on Saturday was to undergo surgery after being shot Friday night in the line of duty, authorities say.
The Vermillion County deputy has been identified as Joey Wilson, who’s been with the sheriff’s office for five years. On Friday night, his injuries were described as not being life-threatening. He’s recovering at Union Hospital in Terre Haute
About 7:15 p.m. Friday on State Road 71 and County Road 700 South near Dana, he was shot in the leg and foot while in his cruiser.
The shooting came from a car chase that started about 6:55 p.m. Friday in Danville, Illinois. Once Wilson and the suspect crossed the state line into Indiana, that’s when shots were fired a farmstead near Dana, which is a little over 90 minutes west of Indianapolis.
Indiana State Police issued a news release late Saturday morning that identified the suspect as Justin Henry, 46, of Urbana, Illinois. The state police release says Henry had an arrest warrant issued Feb. 7 for attempted murder from Champaign County, Illinois.
The Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office tells News 8 that Henry pulled over and exited a vehicle. That’s when shots were exchanged between deputies and the suspect.
The state police release said, “The suspect ran east towards the residence’s barns, jumping over a fence evading the police. Officers set up a perimeter around the area. Suddenly, a farm truck came driving out through closed barn doors towards the officers. Officers fired at the oncoming truck, striking the suspect. Eventually, the truck came to a stop against a grain bin. Medical assistance was immediately rendered to the suspect at the scene.”
Henry was initially taken by ambulance to Union Hospital Clinton in Clinton, Indiana, and later flown to Indianapolis for more care. Indiana State Police did not disclose Henry’s condition in the release.
Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Holtkamp told News 8 that department had help from multiple different police stations. “Clinton Police. Indiana State Police. Terre Haute City Police. I’m sure I’m forgetting somebody, but there’s been several officers show up and help us in all kinds of different ways. I really appreciate all of them.”