NORTH VERNON – On Tuesday, April 9, Detectives with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post began investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in North Vernon.
The initial investigation indicated that shortly after 7:00 p.m., Officers with the North Vernon Police Department and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at an address on Thomas Street in North Vernon, Indiana.
Upon arriving at the residence, the officers encountered a 23-year-old female, Rachel Blake, inside a bathroom of the home. Blake was holding a large knife. The officers repeatedly told her to drop the knife, and they also used electronic control weapons (tasers) in an attempt to disarm her. She soon advanced towards the officers with the knife. Two officers from the North Vernon Police Department fired their issued handguns, striking Blake at least once.
Officers immediately began administering first aid to her. EMS was immediately called to the scene to provide advanced medical treatment.
Blake was soon pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.
The North Vernon Police Department and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office requested Indiana State Police Investigators respond to the scene to conduct the investigation.
All involved officers have been placed on administrative leave per their department policies.
The investigation is ongoing. After the investigation, the case will be presented to the Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
