ISP handling investigation into police action shooting in Elkhart County

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana State Police are investigating a police action shooting after an officer’s handgun discharged during an incident Sunday morning.

According to ISP, Elkhart Police Department and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department contacted the agency to look into the police action shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to a preliminary investigation by ISP, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Elkhart County Deputy Yoder was attempting to conduct a traffic stop in Elkhart County on C.R. 9 and C.R. 4 on a red 2005 Mazda.

27-year-old Michael Christian, the driver of the Mazda, failed to stop which resulted in a pursuit, authorities say.

Assisting in the pursuit was Elkhart Police Department Sgt. Lanzen.

Christian stopped his car at North Lake Apartments, authorities say, and fled on foot where the pursuit continued.

The report states several officers arrived for backup, as Christian attempted to enter an apartment with a key at 52074 Brookstream Circle.

A physical scuffle occurred in the apartment entryway between Christian and Sgt. Lanzen, according to ISP.

Lanzen’s firearm discharged in that struggle at approximately 3:04 a.m. officials say.

Deputy Yoder, according to the report, fired his handgun as well.

Authorities confirm no one was struck by bullets or wounded in the struggle.

Christian was arrested and is facing several charges resulting from the pursuit by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department.

Sgt. Lanzen has been with the Elkhart Police Department for a decade while Deputy Yoder is a four-year veteran with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, the Elkhart County Prosecutor will receive the information for review.