Well-being check ends deadly in Vigo County after officer fires once at resident allegedly pointing rifle





Lucy Perry photos



 By Lucy Perry

Indiana Central News

A reportedly armed and suicidal man was killed by an officer conducting a well-being check at his southern Vigo County residence late Wednesday afternoon.

James Dockery, 45, of Terre Haute, was pronounced dead at the scene. He suffered from a gunshot wound.

According to Sgt. Matt Ames, of the Indiana State Police, an off-duty Vigo County Sheriff's Office deputy initially responded to the home at 7479 S. Carlisle St. just before 5 p.m., where he found the seemingly distressed individual.

Attempts were made to communicate with Dockery at that time.  A short time later, an on-duty deputy arrived to assist at the scene and quickly observed that Dockery had guns in his possession, Ames said.

The on-duty deputy, Sgt. Chris Hawkins — with six-years experience — had handed the unarmed off-duty deputy, Dayton Huebner — with 10 years of service — a rifle. 

Dockery reportedly remained uncooperative, while also allegedly holding a rifle and pointing it at the officers.

"The deputies gave verbal commands for the male subject to drop a rifle that he was holding, but the subject disregarded the commands and pointed the rifle at the deputies," Ames said.

Huebner fired once.




Ames explained that medical assistance was immediately rendered at the scene. 

Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse requested the ISP conduct the investigation, which is ongoing. Meanwhile, Huebner has been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in officer-involved shootings.  

Ames noted that Hawkins was wearing a body-worn camera during the incident.













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