Owen County deputy stable after shooting; suspect in custody
Jun 12, 2026
An Owen County deputy is in stable condition after being shot Friday, and a suspect is in custody, Indiana State Police said.The Owen County Sheriff's Office posted on social media that the department was dealing with a "crimina
l incident" around 4 p.m. on Texas Pike just north of Manhattan Road. That location is about 2 miles north of Spencer. The office told residents to shelter in place and report any suspicious people.In an update at 7 p.m. Friday, Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames told WRTV the deputy responded to a home to perform a welfare check around 3:30 p.m. The suspect fired shots, and the officer retreated from the area while requesting assistance. The suspect fired more shots, striking the officer.Ames identified the suspect as 58-year-old Wendall Hart. Ames added that the suspect is on probation in Owen County.Ames said the deputy, who has been with the department for nearly 12 years, was airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis. The deputy is in stable condition.Law enforcement at the scene negotiated with the suspect, who eventually surrendered.He was taken to a hospital for treatment.An investigation was ongoing.
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