Lafayette, IN – A man was fatally shot by Lafayette police early Friday morning following a traffic stop and brief pursuit, according to a release from the Lafayette Police Department (LPD).
At approximately 12:25 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle near South Street and Sagamore Parkway on suspicion of impaired driving. During the stop, police say the male driver made concerning statements suggesting he posed a risk to himself before fleeing the scene. Officers, following policy, did not initiate a pursuit.
According to LPD, the suspect’s vehicle was later spotted around 1:16 a.m. on Frontage Road and followed to the Waterford Court Apartments, with assistance from Indiana State Police troopers. The suspect parked in the 200 block of Porsche Lane East, where officers say he refused commands and claimed to be armed.
Police say the man moved his hand behind his back “as if preparing to brandish a weapon,” leading to an officer-involved shooting. Officers rendered medical aid, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or civilians were injured.
The man’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office. Per department policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave.
The case remains under joint investigation by LPD and the Indiana State Police.
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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