Actions Deemed Justifiable In Officer-Involved Shooting

Indiana State Police-Versailles detectives were called to investigate the incident in November.

Photo by Indiana State Police.

(Seymour, Ind.) – The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has released its findings from a deadly police-involved shooting that occurred late last year.

Jason S. Cline, 43, was shot and killed on November 1, 2020 near the Speedway Gas Station along U.S. 50 in Seymour.

The initial investigation from detectives at the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post showed that Cline had stolen a full cart of merchandise (value of $700) from the Walmart on Tipton Street.

When officers with the Seymour Police Department approached Cline near the Speedway Gas Station, he fled on foot across U.S. 50 and into a ditch in front of Taco Bell. At that point, Cline allegedly brandished a handgun and pointed it in the direction of the officers.

Two officers fired their handguns at Cline, striking him multiple times. Cline was given immediate medical attention, but ultimately passed at a nearby hospital.

It was later determined that the handgun Cline possessed had been stolen, and he faced a lengthy prison term if caught due to his status as a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm.

On Friday, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney released findings from the officer involved shooting. In summary of the lengthy report, the prosecutor determined that “Seymour Police were justifiable in defense of themselves and each other given the actual deadly force threat posed by Jason Cline.”

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