Muncie, IN – An officer-involved shooting early Saturday morning in Muncie left a 51-year-old man dead after police say he attempted to flee and struck an officer with his vehicle.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident began around 2:17 a.m. on May 9, 2026, Saturday, when Muncie Police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of West Oaklyn Avenue for reports of a man attempting to force entry into a residence. Officers made contact with the suspect, later identified as James Patrick Willis, 51, of Muncie.
During the encounter, authorities say Willis allegedly attempted to flee in a 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck and drove directly at a Muncie police officer. Police reported that the officer discharged their department-issued firearm, striking Willis at least once.
Following the shooting, Willis continued to flee in the vehicle before crashing near the intersection of South Tillotson Avenue and West Godman Avenue. He was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials.
Indiana State Police have been requested to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, findings will be submitted to the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Muncie Police Department, Delaware County Coroner’s Office, and the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities say additional information will be released as the investigation continues.
