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Police Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting at Martin’s Supermarket in Elkhart, Three Dead, Two Officers Injured

One of the victims was identified as Ben Jeffery, a community member known for his selfless spirit.

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Authorities are conducting an investigation into a tragic officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday evening near Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart, Indiana. The incident unfolded shortly after 5:30 p.m., when Elkhart Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the supermarket. According to police, on-duty officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect during the confrontation.

UPDATE: Authorities are continuing their investigation into a tragic shooting at Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart, Indiana, that claimed the lives of two individuals and left two law enforcement officers injured.

The victims have been identified as Benjamin S. Jeffrey, 49, and Annasue Rocha, 19, both residents of Elkhart. Rocha was employed at the supermarket, while Jeffrey was a customer present at the time of the attack.

According to investigators, a lone gunman opened fire inside the store at approximately 5:45 p.m., endangering multiple individuals before ultimately killing Rocha and Jeffrey.

After the shooting, the suspect exited the store, where he was confronted by two officers from the Elkhart Police Department. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officers, who returned fire, fatally striking him.

The officers involved in the confrontation were identified as Corporal Paul Vandenburg and Patrolman Ethan Pasternak.

Both officers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently recovering from their injuries. Patrolman Pasternak remains hospitalized in fair and stable condition.

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ORIGINAL REPORT:

Authorities are conducting an investigation into a tragic officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday evening near Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart, Indiana.

The incident unfolded shortly after 5:30 p.m., when Elkhart Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the supermarket. According to police, on-duty officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect during the confrontation.

The Elkhart Police Department has confirmed that two officers were injured in the incident and are currently in stable condition. Tragically, three individuals, including the alleged suspect, lost their lives during the shooting.

Police Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting at Martin’s Supermarket in Elkhart, Three Dead, Two Officers Injured - One of the victims was identified as Ben Jeffery, a community member known for his selfless spirit. According to a friend, Al Kinsey, Jeffery attempted to assist a woman who was involved in a domestic violence situation at the store.
Ben Jeffery

Mayor Rod Roberson expressed his deep sorrow in a public statement:
“Our hearts are broken in Elkhart tonight. Please continue to pray for the victims, including our two injured officers, our heroic first responders, and all those affected by this tragedy. There is no immediate danger to the public. If you witnessed the incident or have any information, please contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit at 574-295-2825.”

Governor Mike Braun also addressed the incident, stating:
“As details emerge about the shooting in Elkhart, we are in communication with state and local law enforcement. Maureen and I are praying for the victims and their families.”

Congressman Rudy Yakym shared his condolences, saying:
“I am horrified by the tragic news out of Elkhart tonight and am being briefed as information becomes available. Our team is in touch with Mayor Rod Roberson, the Elkhart Police Department, and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. We stand ready to offer any support needed.”

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The South Bend Police Department also extended their thoughts and prayers to their colleagues at the Elkhart Police Department and the entire community.

Following the incident, the two injured officers were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The hospital was placed on lockdown from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. At least 14 squad cars were present outside the hospital as officers awaited updates on their colleagues’ conditions.

Police Chief Kris Seymore addressed the community, calling the events a “tragic evening” and expressing gratitude for the support of first responders and law enforcement.

The Elkhart County Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation. Police have confirmed that the scene is secure, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit at 574-295-2825 or the Elkhart Police Department.

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The tragedy has deeply affected the Elkhart community, with many expressing grief and solidarity for the victims and their families. Vigils and gatherings are expected to take place in the coming days to honor the lives lost and support those affected by the devastating event.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the full details of the incident. Further updates will be provided as they become available.


Crime

Trans Member National Guard Pilot Jo Ellis Falsely Accused of Flying Black Hawk Helicopter

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A transgender National Guard pilot has spoken out after being falsely accused on social media of piloting the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the fatal midair collision with a passenger jet near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, which claimed 67 lives. Jo Ellis, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Virginia Army National Guard, addressed the misinformation in a Facebook post on Friday, denouncing the baseless claims that had gained traction online.

A transgender National Guard pilot has spoken out after being falsely accused on social media of piloting the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the fatal midair collision with a passenger jet near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, which claimed 67 lives.

Jo Ellis, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Virginia Army National Guard, addressed the misinformation in a Facebook post on Friday, denouncing the baseless claims that had gained traction online.

The false allegations echoed unsubstantiated rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, who suggested diversity initiatives were to blame for the tragedy.

“Some craziness has happened on the internet, and I’m being named as one of the pilots of the D.C. crash,” Ellis wrote. “It’s insulting to the victims and families of those lost, and they deserve better than this BS from the bots and trolls of the internet.”

Ellis included screenshots of posts on X (formerly Twitter) that attempted to link her gender identity to the catastrophic crash.

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One post speculated, “Wouldn’t be surprised if the pilot was trans,” while another falsely claimed Ellis had made “radicalized anti-Trump statements” on social media. The latter post was later deleted, and the account issued an apology.

Despite these corrections, Ellis’ name trended on X, accumulating over 19,400 mentions.

Even after she publicly refuted the claims—including in a follow-up video titled “Proof of Life”—far-right accounts continued to circulate misinformation and hate speech targeting her.

A transgender National Guard pilot has spoken out after being falsely accused on social media of piloting the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the fatal midair collision with a passenger jet near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, which claimed 67 lives.

Jo Ellis, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Virginia Army National Guard, addressed the misinformation in a Facebook post on Friday, denouncing the baseless claims that had gained traction online.

The National Guard has not commented on the allegations, and official investigations into the crash remain ongoing.


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