Brayden Daniel Barnhouse of Muncie Fatally Shot by Officers in New Pittsburg Incident

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Officers’ Use of Deadly Force Deemed Reasonable in New Pittsburg Shooting Incident

In a recent statement released by Indiana State Police, Randolph County prosecutor David M. Daly concluded that the use of deadly force by officers involved in the fatal shooting of Brayden Daniel Barnhouse in New Pittsburg on October 24th was not unreasonable. The prosecutor stated that the facts surrounding the case do not warrant criminal charges against the officers.

Daly emphasized that in order to secure a criminal conviction, the state must disprove any defense, including the use of deadly force for self-defense or defense of a third party, beyond a reasonable doubt. Based on the evidence presented, Daly expressed his belief that the officers’ use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances.

According to an official press release from the Indiana State Police, the incident unfolded after the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department responded to an overdose call in the east 4000 block of Elm Street in New Pittsburg, specifically in Jackson Township, late in the afternoon of October 24th. Upon arrival at the residence, deputies were informed that the suspect had left the scene and was walking in the vicinity.

Approximately 20 minutes later, deputies located the suspect near the intersection of Main and First streets, as stated in the press release. Deputy Kevin Kouns, equipped with a body camera, approached the suspect, later identified as Barnhouse. Shockingly, Barnhouse inexplicably and without provocation, pulled out a concealed handgun from underneath his shirt and shot Deputy Kouns in the face, causing a glancing injury, according to Daly’s statement.

Reacting to the threat, Deputy Kouns and his colleague, Deputy Jeffrey Miller, returned fire, successfully striking Barnhouse. However, the situation did not end there. Daly’s statement further revealed that despite being on the ground and shot, Barnhouse continued to make furtive movements and appeared to be reaching for a weapon hidden behind his back. Consequently, the officers fired a second shot, and only after this point was Sergeant Miller finally able to restrain him.

Daly’s statement also highlighted the officers’ belief, as expressed during interviews, that Barnhouse was still attempting to reach for a firearm even after being shot. The prosecutor emphasized that the videos depicting the incident support the officers’ statements that they genuinely feared for their safety, even after Barnhouse had been shot multiple times.

Despite medical aid being administered to Barnhouse, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by Randolph County Coroner Darrin James. On the other hand, Deputy Kouns sustained a superficial wound and received treatment before being released at the scene. Both Deputy Miller and Deputy Kouns are currently on administrative leave pending further investigation.

The Indiana State Police conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, serving as an impartial and independent body to ensure transparency and accountability. The conclusion reached by Randolph County prosecutor David M. Daly underscores the challenging nature of law enforcement and the difficult decisions officers sometimes face when their lives and the lives of others are at stake..