“St. Joseph County Deputy Involved in Fatal Shooting Placed on Leave: Johnny Lee Wood Identified as Deceased Suspect”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : St. Joseph County Deputy Involved in Fatal Shooting Placed on Leave Amidst Ongoing Investigation

Roseland, IN – In a tragic turn of events, a St. Joseph County officer has been placed on paid administrative leave following the fatal shooting of a pursuit suspect on Christmas Eve. The incident took place in Roseland and later led officers into Marshall County, where the suspect was ultimately shot and killed in a field south of Elm and Tyler Roads.

The St. Joseph County Police Department released an update on Tuesday, Dec. 26, shedding some light on the events that unfolded that fateful morning. According to preliminary information, officers responded to a shots-fired call in the 200 block of South Dixie Way in Roseland at approximately 05:08 AM. Shortly after, a St. Joseph County Deputy spotted the suspect vehicle, a Black 2004 Lincoln SUV, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver decided to flee, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit.

As the chase progressed south on Capital Avenue / Elm Road, officers from the Mishawaka Police Department joined in the pursuit. The driver of the Lincoln eventually drove into a field approximately half a mile south of the intersection of Elm Road and Tyler Road, in Marshall County. It was at this point that the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers swiftly located the suspect, and shots were fired by both a St. Joseph County Deputy and an Officer from the Mishawaka Police Department.

Tragically, the suspect, identified as 54-year-old Johnny Lee Wood of Elkhart, IN, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The St. Joseph County Police Department has notified the family of the deceased.

In accordance with department policies, the Indiana State Police (ISP) have been called in to investigate the on-duty use of a firearm by the officers involved. As part of the standard procedure, the St. Joseph County Police officer who discharged their weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of the ISP investigation. All officers involved in the incident are fully cooperating with ISP investigators, and all body camera footage has been handed over to the State Police.

The tragic events have left the local community in shock and grieving. The St. Joseph County Police Department assures the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The department is committed to transparency and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Meanwhile, the news of the fatal shooting has prompted discussions about law enforcement protocols and the use of force. Advocacy groups and community leaders are calling for a comprehensive review of police procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation continues, the St. Joseph County community mourns the loss of Johnny Lee Wood, and many questions remain unanswered. It is a somber reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the difficult decisions they sometimes have to make to ensure public safety.

In the coming days, the Indiana State Police will diligently work to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. The findings of their investigation will be crucial in determining the outcome of this tragic incident and providing closure to all those affected.

The St. Joseph County Police Department urges anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. The cooperation of the community is vital in ensuring a thorough and impartial examination of the events that transpired.

As the investigation unfolds, the St. Joseph County community mourns the loss of Johnny Lee Wood and hopes for a fair and just resolution to this tragic incident..