SOUTH BEND – On September 29, 2022, the Indiana State Police began an investigation that began with shots being fired at an Indiana State Excise Officer near the interaction of Rockne Drive and North Jacob Street in South Bend.
Investigators continued to follow up on leads and gather evidence on this investigation nonstop since the incident.
This effort culminated in a warrant being served by the Indiana State Police E.R.T. at 4540 Hickory Road Apartment 3C in Mishawaka, at approximately 7:12 p.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
As a result of this warrant, Ian Steven McDonald Austin, 20, of South Bend, was arrested for attempted murder. Austin was transported to the St. Joseph County Jail.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the South Bend Police Department and St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Indiana State Excise Police requested that the Indiana State Police investigate an officer-involved shooting that took place in South Bend, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 29, 2022.
The Indiana State Excise Officer had been in the area working a special detail around local convenience stores when he began to follow a silver vehicle that is believed to be the early 2000s or late 90s Honda Civic northeast on Rockne Drive.
Near the intersection of Rockne Drive and North Jacob Street the driver of the vehicle later identified as Austin stopped in the street, exited his vehicle, and began to fire multiple shots at the front of the vehicle being driven by the Indiana State Excise Officer.
The officer returned fire as the suspect briefly fled on foot before returning to his vehicle and speeding off. The Indiana State Excise Officer did not chase Austin’s vehicle.
The Indiana State Excise Officer was not injured in the shooting.
