Crime
Suspect in shooting of Orange County deputy killed by police in Louisville
The two-day manhunt for Austin Schepers, a 33-year-old man accused of shooting an Orange County, Indiana deputy sheriff, came to an end Saturday night when law enforcement fatally shot Schepers during a confrontation in Louisville, Kentucky.
Indiana State Police (ISP) reported that Schepers was located in the 3700 block of Wheeler Avenue, in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood.
Officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) were led to the residence as part of their efforts to apprehend the fugitive.
Upon finding Schepers, a confrontation ensued, during which he was fatally shot by law enforcement at the scene. LMPD has classified the incident as a “critical investigation,” emphasizing its serious nature.
The events leading to the manhunt began on Friday when Deputy Zac Andry of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a vehicle—a Pontiac Grand Prix—partially blocking the road. While checking on the situation, Deputy Andry encountered Schepers.
According to investigators, Schepers pulled out a firearm during the interaction and opened fire on Deputy Andry, striking him multiple times, including a critical wound to the head.
Deputy Andry was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition as of the latest updates. The incident sparked a widespread manhunt involving multiple agencies.
Schepers’ death concludes the search, but investigations into the circumstances surrounding both the original shooting and the subsequent confrontation remain ongoing. LMPD and ISP are working together to piece together the sequence of events.
The shooting of Deputy Andry has left the Orange County community reeling. Local law enforcement has expressed gratitude for the support received during the manhunt and has asked the public to continue keeping Deputy Andry and his family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations progress.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.