An adult male is in life threatening condition after a multi-county police chase ends in a shootout where the suspect fired at police in Kendallville. Frightened residents of the quiet mobile home park in Indiana were woken up by the sounds of police sirens and 20-30 gunshots.
Wild police chase leads to shootout with suspect
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, around 11:35 p.m. police attempted to stop a vehicle for reckless driving near Harris Road and Olympia Court in Fort Wayne. The driver, Justin Robert Weikel, 40, of LaOtto, initially stopped, but then sped off.
Weikel led police on a high speed chase through northwest Allen, DeKalb and Noble County. Officers used stop sticks to attempt to end the chase. Police believe a tire was struck and the chase ended about 40 minutes later near East Waits Rd. and South Maple Street just outside of Johnson Mobile Home Park.
Around 12:15 a.m. officers on scene from multiple agencies used high risk tactics and Weikel began firing at officers. Officers from multiple agencies fired back. Police secured a perimeter and told residents to stay inside.
Paul Slone is a resident who witnessed the standoff in Kendallville earlier this morning. His wife, 2 babies and dog are safe. He heard 20-30 shots fired throughout the standoff. @wane15 pic.twitter.com/aRIpQuF6P9
— Breann Boswell WANE 15 (@breannboswell_) April 22, 2021
Frightened neighbors wake up to the sounds of a gun fight
The command center for the agencies involved was located at First Christian Church near State Road 3. SWAT with Indiana State Police and EST from FWPD arrived on scene and determined Weikel was in life threatening condition. A drone was used for aerial support in the chase.
At 1:43, Weikel was detained and transported to a Fort Wayne area hospital in life threatening condition. He is currently in stable condition. Thankfully, no officers or area residents were injured.
Weikel had a warrant out for his arrest for meth related charges, according to police. This is an ongoing criminal investigation. Once completed, the investigation will turn to the Noble County Prosecutor to review and determine criminal charges.
JUST IN: Police are responding to a reported shooting in Kendallville. We have crews on the scene and will provide updates as they become available. pic.twitter.com/4i2PudQ2js
— ABC21 WPTA News (@ABC21WPTA) November 14, 2018
