One dead and one in custody after Pierceton police pursuit
PIERCETON, Ind. (WANE) – Charges were filed Thursday against one of the two men police say led them on a pursuit earlier in the morning.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and the Pierceton Police Department are investigating the police pursuit and a shooting that happened in Pierceton.
Just after 4:30 a.m., Pierceton Deputy Marshall Matt Owens attempted to pull over a vehicle. The driver did not stop. A pursuit ensued until the suspect crashed into a fence.
After the crash, Officer Owens said he heard gunshots as two people exited the vehicle. At that time, Officer Owens took Sterling Templeton, 34, of Garrett, Indiana into custody. The other suspect, later identified as Dalen Anthony Ousley, got away.
After hearing another gunshot, officers found Ousley dead on a vacant parking lot. According to the affidavit of probable cause, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officers searched the vehicle and found a handgun between the passenger seat and the center console.
On Thursday, Kosciusko County prosecutor’s office filed charges against Templeton. He faces a charge for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. In 1998, Templeton was convicted of robbery.
Templeton’s bond was set at $20,000.
Whitko Community Schools called a two hour delay to ensure no one was outdoors during the pursuit and suspect search.
Officers from Winona Lake, Warsaw and Pierceton Police Departments as well as Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police assisted in the investigation.