Handout photo by Indiana State Police
The Indiana State Police sent the following Tuesday:
(Randolph County) Detectives from the Indiana State Police Pendleton District were requested by Sheriff Art Moystner to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred in New Pittsburg (Union City) this evening.
The information below is preliminary, this is still an active and ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department responded to an overdose call on the 4000 block of E. Elm Street in Union City. Once Deputies arrived at the residence, they were informed by the family that the suspect had left the residence and was walking in the area. Concerned for the well-being of the individual, deputies began to search the nearby area. At 5:17 p.m., deputies located the individual walking near the intersection of Main Street and First Street (New Pittsburg). Within a minute later of making contact with the suspect, he reportedly produced a Glock 17, 9mm handgun and fired a round at the deputies. The two deputies responded by firing their sidearms and hitting the suspect at least once. Medical aid was immediately provided to the suspect, however, he was pronounced dead by Randolph County Coroner Darin James.
The suspect, was later identified as Brayden Daniel Barnhouse, 19, of Muncie. The family of the deceased has been notified.
The Randolph County Deputies involved were Sergeant Jeffrey Miller, a twelve-year veteran, and Deputy Kevin Kouns, a two-year veteran with the department. One deputy sustained a superficial wound during the encounter and was treated and released at the scene.
Per normal department policy, both deputies will be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete and the Randolph County Prosecutor has an opportunity to review the report.
This is an active investigation by the Indiana State Police and once completed will be turned over to the Randolph County Presecutor’s Office for review.
There is no further information to be released.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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