NEW HAVEN – The Indiana State Police is currently investigating an overnight officer-involved shooting involving the New Haven Police Department in the 6000 block of Moeller Road, New Haven.
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, just after 11:00 p.m., three officers from the New Haven Police Department were dispatched to a domestic battery call at 6008 Moeller Road, lot #165.
During that response, officers were inside the residence, attempting to place the adult male resident in custody. That male was identified as Robert A. Vicena, 37, of Fort Wayne, IN.
At that time, an altercation resulted, and two NHPD officers sustained injuries consistent with a knife attack. The three New Haven police officers involved are Sergeant Howard Lininger, Patrolman Aaron Koch, Patrolman Braden Pope, who discharged their duty weapons. Vicena suffered a lethal gunshot wound and died at the scene.
The two injured NHPD officers were transported to Fort Wayne area hospitals for medical treatment.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Allen County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Sunday at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Fort Wayne. Toxicology results and information from that autopsy are pending.
Per the New Haven Police Department’s standard operating policy, all three officers have been placed on administrative leave status pending the investigation.
The Indiana State Police is the lead agency in this investigation, assisted by the Allen County Coroner’s Office, Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Haven Police Department.
This remains an ongoing criminal investigation. Once the investigation has been completed, the case will be turned over to the Allen County Prosecutor for a full review.
This is an ongoing death investigation. At this time, there is no further information to release. As information becomes available, an updated release will be sent out.
