Prosecutor Releases Findings of April Officer Involved Shooting in North Vernon

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 9:57 AM

A 23-year-old female was shot and killed during the incident.

Shutterstock photo.

(North Vernon, Ind.) - Jennings County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Belding has released findings regarding an officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Danielle R. Blake.

After considering all the evidence, Belding determined that officers were justified in using deadly force in defense of themselves during the incident on April 9, 2024.

Blake, 23, sustained fatal gunshot wounds after North Vernon Police were dispatched to a home on Thomas Drive for a domestic disturbance.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers spoke with Blake through a window and asked her to come out so they could speak to her – or they would come in. She allegedly said, “go ahead and try, I dare you. I’ll stab you.”

Officers observed her pick up a knife and retreat to the back of the apartment. At that point, the officers were concerned for Blake’s safety and entered the apartment, where they located Blake in a bathroom.

Officers used tasers in an attempt to disarm her before she advanced toward the officers with a knife. Two officers from the North Vernon Police Department fired their issued handguns, striking Blake at least once.

Belding says there will be no criminal liability on the part of the officers involved.

See Belding's summarized report here.