Lafayette trooper uses lethal force on US 231

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ind.—A Lafayette trooper was involved in a live action police shooting on US 231 after a man allegedly reached for his handgun.

According to the Indiana State Police, a Lafayette trooper traveling northbound on US 231 checked a possibly abandoned black Chevrolet Tahoe for occupants around 3:45 p.m. Friday.

The trooper placed a yellow tag on the vehicle to alert other enforcement officers that the vehicle had been checked before returning to his regular patrol.

While patrolling, the trooper passed the same vehicle around 6:35 p.m. and a white Dodge was parked in front of the Tahoe.

56-year-old Glenn Rightsell was at the front of the vehicle with the hood open. Indiana State Police say the trooper noticed a gun on Rightsell's waist.

The trooper parked behind the Tahoe and turned on his spotlight as well as emergency lights before approaching the driver’s side of the Tahoe and identifying himself as a law enforcement officer.

Rightsell allegedly grabbed the gun on his waist instead of complying to the trooper's verbal commands.

The trooper then drew his gun and struck Rightsell at least one time.

First aid was administered to Rightsell before he was transported by ambulance to the Franciscan Hospital in Crawfordsville, Indiana where he died from gunshot wounds.

The Indiana State Police will conduct an investigation and pass the report along to the Montgomery County Prosecutor for review.

The trooper’s name will be released at a later time.