SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — A northern Indiana police officer who shot and critically wounded a man reportedly opened fire after the man hit and scratched his face.
Police records identify the South Bend officer as Samuel Chaput and the wounded man as 27-year-old Terrance Eppenger of South Bend.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit says officers were called to the scene Tuesday evening to investigate a report of an unwanted person who refused to leave.
Witnesses say Chaput was the first officer on the scene and a physical confrontation with Eppenger ensued before Chaput discharged his firearm, striking Eppenger. He remained hospitalized in critical condition Wednesday.
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Police records say Chaput reported being hit and scratched in the face by Eppenger before the shooting. The officer was treated at a hospital and released.