Vigo County—Indiana State Police Detectives from the Putnamville Post, at the request of Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse, are currently investigating a police action shooting involving a Terre Haute City Police Officer. The officer was not injured; however, the suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was initially stabilized at Terre Haute Union Hospital, and later airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in what is believed to be serious condition.
Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 0058hrs this morning, Vigo County Central Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute between a man and a woman was occurring on Cleveland Avenue in front of the residences of 2118 and 2122. Seconds later, Central Dispatch received a call from a mother at 2122 Cleveland Avenue reporting at least one gunshot round entered her home through the front door. She was accompanied by her two young children. Terre Haute Police Officers were dispatched to the area with the first officer arriving on scene at approximately 0100hrs. The first officer, upon exiting his patrol car, heard loud arguing between multiple persons on the enclosed porch of 2118 Cleveland Avenue. The officer, an approximately two-year veteran of THPD, entered the porch area and was immediately confronted by the agitated suspect. The suspect brandished a black revolver and according to the officer and witnesses, was told numerous times to drop the weapon. The suspect refused, causing the officer to discharge his firearm and neutralize the threat.
Investigators preliminarily believe the residents at 2118 and possibly 2122, were not involved in the initial domestic dispute and were simply the result of the suspect engaging them for calling police.
The male suspect has been identified as 25-year-old, Quintin M. Towles Jr. of Terre Haute, IN.
A number of evidentiary items were recovered at the scene and will be analyzed by personnel at the Indiana State Police Laboratory.
At the conclusion of this investigation, all reports will be submitted to the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office for a full review. This could take few weeks. The name of the officer will be released in a few days.
The Indiana State Police is the lead investigating agency. Assisting are the Terre Haute Police Department and the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office. Terre Haute Fire/EMS responded as the medical provider.
Questions about the ISP investigation should be directed to ISP Sergeant Joe Watts. Questions concerning Terre Haute Police policy and procedures should be directed to THPD Chief John Plasse at 812-238-1661.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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