BEDFORD – Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day released the following statement about the shooting incident that happened early Sunday morning on State Road 37 at the Sinclair station leaving two officers wounded and the suspect dead.
Investigators have not released how many shots were fired at the two officers. Lawrence County deputy, Joshua Rhodes, was hit twice, and Mitchell police officer Anderson was hit once in the shoulder.
Both officers fired at the suspect, Anthony Richmond, 29, of West Baden Springs, who died in the ambulance at the scene.
The following is a statement from Sheriff Day:
I first want to thank our wonderful community for the outpouring of support and care during these last two days. It is during difficult times such as these that Lawrence County always comes through with its love, compassion, and care. There are too many people, businesses, and organizations to mention here, but please know how grateful we are for what you have done.
It is with great thankfulness that I share the news that both LCPD Officer Joshua Rhoades and Mitchell Officer Christian Anderson are on the road to recovery and have been released from the hospital. We pray for their continued healing. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice to the community will forever be praised.
I would be remiss not to thank some very deserving officers and agencies as well. A very big thank you to LCPD Officer Whitney Daugherty for her leadership, actions, and life-saving measures during the incident. Additionally, LCPD Officer Clifford Pruett should be commended for his response and calm demeanor immediately following the incident.
There are numerous other Sheriff’s Office employees who demonstrated their professionalism and resolve throughout the subsequent investigation, through their assistance to the officer’s families, and in the small details that can often get overlooked when such a major event transpires. What can I say about our dispatchers, other than “well done”. The efficiency and calmness they displayed were nothing short of amazing.
I am grateful to the Bedford Police Department officers who quickly responded to the scene for assistance, and provided scene security, and even food to family and officers at the hospital.
Thanks to the Marion Township Volunteer Fire Department and all responding EMS personnel who provided treatment to all involved.
It is greatly appreciated that the Oolitic Town Marshal Office voluntarily covered calls for service for our department for several hours after the incident.
Of course, a debt of gratitude is owed to the Indiana State Police for their quick response, the ongoing thorough investigation, and their assistance on so many fronts. I look forward to their completed investigation when all the facts and details can be made public.
Unfortunately, this is a grim reminder of the dangers that our officers face every day. Yes, we live in a safe and supportive community compared to other places around the state and country, but even here officers put their lives on the line every day. I am proud of my brothers and sisters in our law enforcement community. You, our citizens, are in good hands.Â
Finally, I want to close by saying this. It is no secret that one of my biggest priorities is drug dealing enforcement. Those who peddle the poison in our county are a danger to innocent citizens, the addicts who are struggling, and our officers. The fact that two officers were shot over a large quantity of methamphetamine and other drugs underscores my very point. This has only hardened my resolve to ramp up our efforts even more. This will not deter us from our mission.
Please continue to keep Officers Rhoades and Anderson in your prayers, as well as the family members who are mourning the loss of their loved one. Thank you, again, for your support.
