Special Prosecutor Assigned To Dearborn Co. Officer-Involved Shooting

The investigation into the deadly shooting in Dearborn County is continuing.

Photo by Indiana State Police.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - The Dearborn County prosecuting attorney will hand the case of an officer-involved shooting to another prosecutor to review.

An Indiana State Police trooper and a Dearborn County Sheriff’s deputy were in the shooting on Saturday.

They responded to the Five Point Road home of 58-year-old Christopher Schmitt, where Schmitt reportedly pointed a firearm at the two officers. They fired at Schmitt, who was hit and later died at a hospital.

On Monday, Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens announced Dearborn Circuit Court Judge James D. Humphrey has appointed Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel to the case as a special prosecutor. This after Deddens made the request because the shooting involved local law enforcement officers, thus presenting a potential conflict for her.

Indiana State Police at the Sellersburg Post are still investigating the officer-involved shooting. Once they complete the investigation, they will give the findings to Hertel. He will review the case for any potential charges or wrongdoing by the officers.

ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, public information officer for the Versailles Post, said Monday that both officers are on administrative leave, per department protocol.

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel will review the case once Indiana State Police at the Sellersburg Post complete their investigation. File photo.

RELATED STORIES:

Suspect, Officers Identified In Dearborn Co. Shooting

More from Local News


Events

Bill Co-Authored, Sponsored by Patterson Ceremonially Signed by Gov. Braun

The bills improve health care access, and support first responders.

All-way Stop Coming to U.S. 52 in New Trenton

Installation of the all-way stop is expected to take up to one day.

Ohio River Way Embarks on Biggest Challenge Yet: 23 Days, 488.5 Miles

Over 23 days, a volunteer crew of paddlers will paddle 488 miles from Huntington, WV, to Evansville, IN.

Local Sports Report - April 16, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Rising Sun Opening Day Set for April 25

Parade, picnic and ballpark party.

Local Sports Report - April 15, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
John Conlee - Years After You

Gary Allan Her Man 21:42
Luke Combs Doin' This 21:35
Tracy Lawrence My Second Home 21:33
Don Williams Love is on a Roll 21:28