Two men are dead after a police-involved shooting Monday night near Palmyra.
Those pronounced dead are Justin Moore, 31, Owensboro, Kentucky and Good Samaritan Jacob Tyler McClanahan, 24, Corydon.
Detective Christopher Tucker and Crime Scene Investigators with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg continue their investigation into the police-involved shooting that occurred on SR 135 just south of Palmyra on Monday night.
Investigators say that shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday, Moore, pulled his vehicle, a white Ford Escape to the side of the highway after apparently running out of gas in the 12,000-block of SR 135.
Moore then asked a local resident for gas, or money to obtain fuel, before returning to his car which was still partially in the roadway.
As a Palmyra Police Officer arrived around 9:30p, two Good Samaritans in a pick-up truck also stopped to assist and within seconds of exiting their cars, shots were fired; killing Moore and one of the Good Samaritans; McClanahan.
Part of that investigation included interviews, collection and examination of physical evidence, collection and viewing of video evidence, and attending the autopsies of both deceased.
As a result of their investigation, and in conjunction with the Harrison County Prosecutor’s office, Investigators have provided more details into the tragic event.
A short time after receiving a report that Moore’s vehicle had run out of gas, Reserve Officer Zachary Holly, from the Palmyra Police Department arrived to assist.
McClanahan, and a friend who were travelling together in a pick-up truck on SR 135, also stopped to assist.
At one point during the interaction, Officer Holly asked Moore if there were any weapons in the car and Moore advised there were not.
Moore was however in possession of a small knife, which Officer Holly asked him to place it back in his vehicle.
The investigation reveals that as Moore entered his car to return the knife, he quickly turned around brandishing a shot gun and fired at Officer Holly.
Officer Holly then returned fire with his department pistol.
Moore fired the shotgun a second time and fatally struck McClanahan.
Officer Holly continued to return fire with his department weapon, fatally striking Justin Moore.
Medical aid was given to both gunshot victims after the shooting, and numerous officers from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the Palmyra Fire Department, Harrison County EMS, and the Indiana State Police responded to the scene.
Investigators have not been able to determine why Moore, who is from Owensboro, Kentucky, was travelling in Indiana.
This investigation is ongoing.
