MITCHELL – After continuing to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday, Feb. 5th, in Mitchell, Detectives with the Indiana State Police have the following additional information to release that includes the names of the wounded officers and the deceased suspect.
One of the officers involved in the police-involved shooting is Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Rhoades, a five-year veteran of the department with the past three years served as a road deputy. The incident also involved Mitchell Police Officer Christian Anderson, a three-year veteran of the police department.
Deputy Rhoades suffered two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was first transported by ambulance to IU Bedford Hospital and then transferred by helicopter to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He has since been released from the hospital.
Officer Anderson suffered one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to IU Bedford and then transferred to IU Methodist by helicopter for treatment. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Anthony Richmond of West Baden Springs. He received emergency medical aid at the scene from officers and firefighters, and transported by ambulance, and was pronounced deceased in the ambulance.
Preliminary investigation has revealed Richmond fired several rounds at the officers while they were physically apprehending him after he fled from the original location of the traffic stop. The incident was captured on the officers’ body cameras and the footage is being reviewed by investigators.
Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day, said, “This tragic incident underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face each day, even in our beloved Lawrence County. I am extremely proud of the actions and response of officers from my office as well as our law enforcement and first responder partners. I am very thankful Deputy Rhoades and Officer Anderson will make full recoveries, and I am mindful that a family is mourning the loss of a loved one. The lives of many people were affected by senseless criminal acts. Thank you to our brave officers for their dedication and courage.”
The Mitchell Police Department wants to thank the community for its outpouring of love and support.
“We can’t thank our community enough for the tremendous amount of support and outreach during this tragic time. It’s heartwarming to see the community support and coming together for our officer and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputy. Both Officers are in stable condition at this time. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends John 15:13”
The Indiana State Police is the lead investigating agency for this incident, any information about this case will be released from the Indiana State Police or the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office.
