NORTH VERNON, Ind. – Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after two North Vernon police officers shot and fatally wounded a woman armed with a knife in Jennings County Tuesday evening.
On April 9, shortly after 7 p.m., officers with the North Vernon Police Department and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at a residence on Thomas Street in North Vernon.
When officers arrived at the residence, they located 23-year-old Rachel Blake inside a bathroom holding a large knife.
Investigators said officers repeatedly told Blake to drop the knife, and they used Tasers in an attempt to disarm her. Blake advanced towards the officers with the knife and two officers from the North Vernon Police Department fired their handguns, striking Blake at least once.
Officers began administering first aid and EMS was immediately requested to the scene to provide advanced medical treatment.
Blake was later pronounced dead at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.
The North Vernon Police Department and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office requested Indiana State Police investigators to respond to the scene to conduct the investigation.
All officers involved have been placed on admirative leave, which is standard procedure of both departments.
The investigation is ongoing. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be presented to the Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office.