LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man is in critical condition after being shot early Sunday morning by a Columbus police officer responding to a report of suspicious activity, according to police.
A homeowner who was out of town on vacation called 911 around 4:05 a.m. to report "suspicious activity," after he noticed an "unknown person" on his property, according to Indiana State Police.
Sgt. Lukas Nibarger, a seven-year veteran with Columbus police, arrived at the home at 4:12 a.m. in the 3000 block of Grove Parkway, where he found an armed man outside the home.
According to ISP, Nibarger encountered Jacob Dale Rice, a 38-year-old man from Columbus. Rice attempted to flee on foot after ignoring Nibarger's verbal commands.
ISP says Nibarger chased Rice into the backyard of the residence, trying to apprehend him. Rice fired once toward Nibarger, who was not hit by the gunfire.
Then, the officer "discharged his firearm an undetermined number of times striking the suspect," according to Columbus Police.
Rice was taken to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he underwent surgery and is in critical condition, according to ISP.
Nibarger, who was not injured, was placed on administrative leave, which is department protocol.
Once the investigation is complete, the Bartholomew County Prosecutor's office will determine if charges will be filed.
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