COLUMBUS, Ind. — Indiana State Police have released the names of the suspect and a Columbus police officer involved in a police-involved shooting early Sunday morning at a home in the 3300 block of Grove Parkway in Columbus.
State police said that Sgt. Lukas Nibarger, a seven-year veteran with the Columbus Police Department, responded to the residence to investigate a report of a suspicious person on the property. A homeowner, who was on vacation, reported to 911 that a suspicious person was on his property, detected by surveillance video.
Upon arriving at the residence, Nibarger encountered a man later identified as Jacob Dale Rice, 38, Columbus, state police said.
Rice ignored the officer’s verbal commands and attempted to flee on foot, state police said. Nibarger chased Rice into the back yard of the residence where he again gave verbal commands in an attempt to detain Rice. Investigators believe Rice fired one round from a firearm towards Nibarger. The officer was not struck and was able to return fire with his department-issued handgun striking Rice one time, state police said.
Nibarger called for an ambulance, which arrived within minutes and was able to provide medical attention to Rice. Rice was transported to the Columbus Municipal Airport where a medical helicopter was waiting to transport him to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Rice remains in the hospital and is still listed in critical condition.
The investigation revealed Rice had stolen the firearm used in the shooting from a car in the Columbus area before his interaction with Nibarger, state police said. Investigators do not believe Rice was able to make entry into the residence before being confronted by Nibarger.
The investigation is still ongoing. The Indiana State Police will forward their report to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor when completed.
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
