Statement from Taulman:

On Friday, April 4, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a Michigan City Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on the drive connecting Franklin Street to Wal-Mart near 5708 Franklin Street, Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana on a Dodge Journey for driving a vehicle without lighted head lamps on in reduced visibility (I.C. 9-21-7-2).

The driver and passenger provided their names to the officer. The passenger, now known as Jorge Meza, provided a name of "Jose Martinez." This name returned as a name associated with several active warrants.

The officer began further investigation to determine if this was the same "Jose Martinez" with outstanding warrants. At this time, the passenger later determined to be Jorge Meza fled from the vehicle.

Multiple officers began pursuit of Meza as he fled the vehicle. Officers observed Meza pull a firearm from his waistband and point it at officers.

Meza continued to flee across parking lots and through a row of hedges at a local business, wherein Meza "squared up" to an officer, pulled up a gun with two hands, pointing the firearm toward the officer.

Believing that Meza posed a deadly threat, the officer fired multiple shots, striking Meza. Meza then fell to the ground and began to reach back to the side where his firearm had fallen and the officer again fired two more shots.

Lifesaving measures were attempted, and Meza was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators recovered the loaded 9mm handgun from Meza. Further investigation determined there was evidence that Meza attempted to fire multiple times; however, a malfunction in the firearm prevented the same from happening.

After thorough investigation, the Indiana State Police District 13 Criminal Investigations Division presented the case to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office on May 21, 2025, for independent review. Based on the evidence and statutory authority under I.C, 35-41-3-2 and I.C. 35-31-3-3, the Officer was legally justified in using deadly force to defend himself.

Given the above facts, the Officer's actions were legally justified under Indiana law. This investigation is now closed, and no charges will be filed.