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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

2 dead, 3 injured after shooting near LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis

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MEMPHIS, TN – A mass shooting in South Memphis on Wednesday afternoon left two people dead and three others critically injured following a violent exchange of gunfire inside a residence near LeMoyne-Owen College.

MEMPHIS, TN – A mass shooting in South Memphis on Wednesday afternoon left two people dead and three others critically injured following a violent exchange of gunfire inside a residence near LeMoyne-Owen College.

The shooting occurred at a home on College Park Drive, just yards away from the LeMoyne-Owen College campus and in close proximity to a daycare and tutoring facility.

Emergency responders arrived to find five victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to their injuries at Regional One Health.

One victim has been identified as Leon Parker.

The three remaining victims were transported to local hospitals in critical condition.

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The Memphis Police Department (MPD) responded swiftly, with multiple squad cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and crime scene vans lining the street for hours. MPD Chief C.J. Davis and other top officials were present as the investigation unfolded.

Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from an altercation inside the home that escalated into gunfire.

“There was some type of disturbance inside the residence that led to an exchange of gunfire,” said Lt. Louis Brownlee, an MPD spokesperson.

Police have confirmed that all individuals involved in the shooting have been identified, and the violence appears to have been contained within the residence. However, the motive for the shooting remains unclear, and it has not been determined who fired the first shots or whether any of the survivors will face charges.

Shortly after the shooting, LeMoyne-Owen College issued a statement clarifying that the incident did not involve any students, faculty, or staff and occurred off-campus.

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“LeMoyne-Owen College remains fully operational following reports of an off-campus incident near 948 College Park Drive. The incident did not involve or impact LeMoyne-Owen College students, faculty, or staff, and there are no lockdowns or alerts in place at this time,” the college’s statement read.

Dr. Dunn-Ross, Chief Operating Officer of LeMoyne-Owen College, emphasized the college’s commitment to safety:

“The safety and well-being of our campus community is always our top priority. We are aware of the situation and in communication with local authorities. At this time, there is no threat to our campus, and operations will continue as normal.”

As of now, MPD has not provided further details on the cause of the altercation or whether any arrests have been made. The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.


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