South Bend, IN – Additional charges have been filed in connection with a December 21 hostage situation in Mishawaka where a suspect allegedly fired at law enforcement officers during a tense hours-long standoff, officials announced.
According to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, 53-year-old Chad Bean now faces 14 counts of attempted murder after investigators determined he fired approximately 15 shots at officers before they returned fire. Bean had previously been charged with multiple counts of criminal confinement, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and stalking stemming from the same incident.
The South Bend Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit led the investigation under an interlocal agreement after both Mishawaka Police and St. Joseph County officers were involved in the exchange of gunfire. Following a full review, the Prosecutor’s Office found probable cause for the new charges.
Officials said Bean remains hospitalized under law enforcement supervision and will be transferred to the St. Joseph County Jail once medically cleared.
Investigators also reviewed the actions of Officers Zachary Alfrey and Nathan Bachman, who discharged their firearms during the encounter. Prosecutors determined both officers were legally justified in using deadly force, citing Indiana’s self-defense statute allowing protection against imminent deadly threats.
The case will now move to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office for formal proceedings, while internal reviews will continue within the involved departments.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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