NEW ALBANY – Detectives with the Indiana State Police are investigating after a suspect shot a New Albany police officer while the officer was investigating a prior shooting in the city.
ISP detectives believe a female victim reported a shooting incident earlier Tuesday morning in the 400 block of Green Street in New Albany. No person was struck or injured in that incident; however, officers with the New Albany Police Department began looking for 29-year-old Barry Sowders, of New Albany, concerning that incident.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, a vehicle matching the suspects was located near the 1400 block of Grant Street in New Albany. Barry Sowders exited the car when officers approached, and officers observed a handgun in Sowder’s possession. When officers attempted to detain Sowders, he fled on foot, and the officers gave chase. As officers pursued, Sowders fired a handgun at two officers, striking Corporal Andrew Byrne. Corporal Byrne then returned fire, striking Sowders.
Detectives believe Barry Sowders continued to flee on foot and fired again at a third pursuing officer. Sowders was then able to evade officers but officers from multiple departments responded and began setting a perimeter around the location. Additionally, officers at the scene of the shooting provided medical aid to Corporal Byrne. An ambulance then transported Officer Byrne to University Hospital in Louisville.
An ISP and LMPD helicopter responded to the scene as officers continued to search for Sowders. At approximately 12:30 p.m., a group of officers from multiple agencies located Sowders lying on the front porch of a Market Street residence a short distance from the shooting. Officers and emergency medical personnel treated Sowders for gunshot wounds, who were then taken into custody and transported to University Hospital by ambulance.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Baily requested ISP investigate the police-involved shooting. This investigation is ongoing.
Barry Sowders has been released from the hospital and is currently incarcerated at Jefferson County Metro Corrections in Louisville, pending his extradition to Indiana. Sowders is being held on a warrant for three counts of attempted murder and resisting law enforcement.
Corporal Andrew Byrnes is currently listed in Fair condition at the University of Louisville Hospital.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
