The Indiana State Police has been requested by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department and the Elkhart Police Department to investigate a police action shooting that occurred around 3:00 a.m. on December 16, 2018.
Preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 3:00 a.m., Elkhart County Deputy Justin Yoder attempted to stop a red 2005 Mazda for a traffic violation near CR 4 and CR 9 in Elkhart County.
The driver of the Mazda, Michael Christian, 27 of Elkhart reportedly did not stop and a pursuit began, with Sgt. Nathan Lanzen from Elkhart Police Department assisting.
The pursuit entered the North Lake Apartment complex when Christian stopped his car and fled on foot.
As other officers arrived to assist, Christian attempted to enter an apartment with a key located at 52074 Brookstream Circle when a physical struggle ensued at the entrance to the apartment. At approximately 3:04 a.m.
Lanzen’s handgun discharged as a result of the struggle. Yoder is reported to have fired his handgun as well. Nobody was struck as a result of either firearm discharging.
Christian was arrested on several charges as a result of the pursuit by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department.
Yoder is a 4 ½ year veteran with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department. Lanzen has been a member of the Elkhart Police Department for 10 years.
This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be released at this time. At the conclusion of the investigation all information will be turned over to the Elkhart County Prosecutor for review.
