Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi has ruled that fatal force was justified in a police-involved shooting on June 28th in Indiana Borough.
Local police had been investigating a domestic incident involving Andrew Herman and his girlfriend in the 100 Block of North Cherry Avenue. When she reportedly told him that she was breaking up with him, he tried to stop her, and tried to force open a door. He then picked up a shovel and threatened one of the responding officers, but he eventually dropped the shovel and fled. When the officer caught up with him, Herman drew a pocketknife and stabbed the officer. The officer tried using a taser, but when that did not work and Herman continued to stab the officer multiple times, the officer drew his gun and fired one shot, fatally striking him in the head.
State police conducted the investigation into the shooting. It was determined that the officer tried to use a less-than-lethal option and then fired one shot to prevent Herman from killing him. The DA’s office will not take further action on the case.
You can read the full statement from the DA’s office by clicking on the link below.
Press Release – Use of Force Justified
In his own statement, Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl said that the officer has recovered from the attack and has been on administrative leave while the investigation was going on. Schawl said that when he is ready and on conclusion of administrative leave, he will return to full duty. While he feels grateful the officer has recovered, he feels grief over the fatal shooting. He also said he appreciated the help of all the assisting agencies, including state and IUP police, Citizens’ Ambulance, IRMC and police from Blairsville and Homer City.
You can read the chief’s statement below.
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