By John Estridge
Liberty Town Council members unanimously passed a resolution in support of a Liberty Police Officer involved in an officer-involved shooting, which ended in the death of a female Friday, February 26.
According to an Indiana State Police press release from Friday, LPD Officer Lorenzo Shepler was called to U.S. 27 south of Liberty near 1 a.m., Friday for a report of a woman, later identified as Maggie A. Dickerson, 29, of Liberty, walking in the middle of the highway. When Shepler attempted to move the Dickerson off the highway, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the woman advanced toward Shepler while she was brandishing a knife. Shepler fired multiple rounds from his handgun, striking the woman at least one time.
She was flown by medical helicopter to Kettering Ohio Medical Center where she later succumbed to the injuries sustained in the shooting.
The Indiana State Police were asked to investigate the incident, which was near but outside the town limits.
In the resolution, the town said after the investigation is complete, the results will be turned over to Union County Prosecutor Andrew A.J. Bryson. He will then decide if any charges will be filed as a result of the investigation of the shooting.
Thus, LTC — through the resolution — affirmed it would pay for any attorneys Shepler needs. It will be his choice of attorneys if there is a need. Also, it will also pay for any mental health counseling Shepler deems necessary as a result of the incident.
It is the LPD’s policy to place an officer involved in a shooting on administrative leave. Because of that, the resolution affirms Shepler will receive his normal pay and benefits while on administrative leave.
Council members made no comments prior to or after the vote.
In answer to a media question, town attorney Walt Chidester said the Union County Sheriff’s Department and the Liberty Police Department have held a long-term agreement to help cover each others’ respective areas when an officer from the other jurisdiction is either on another call or too far away to quickly respond. Also, if there is a need for backup during an incident. Thus, it is believed the liability insurance of the officers’ respective governmental agency continues to cover the officer. In this instance, the liability insurance from Liberty will cover Shepler.
Union County Sheriff Dale Dishmond said that is also his understanding.
