(Jennings County, IN) – The Jennings County Prosecutor says a deputy was justified in using deadly force after an armed fugitive was shot and killed earlier this year.
According to Jennings County Prosecutor Brian Belding’s report, 29-year-old Devin Lark was shot and killed on February 3 during a confrontation with deputies.
Deputy Cody Low fired the shot that killed Lark as the two struggled for control of a gun carried by the suspect.
Lark was arrested the day before on several charges but did not show up in court for his trial.
After an arrest warrant was issued, deputies located Lark after he had been on the run and it was learned that he planned to have a shootout with police.
The Jennings County SWAT team was called out and Deputy Low accompanied the team, along with his K9 partner Axel.
Lark was found in a barn and ran from officers. After several warnings, Low sent the K9 to arrest Lark and the dog took him to the ground.
Deputy Low saw a gun in Lark’s hand a struggle ensued. It was then Low fired a single shot and hit Lark. He was treated at the scene and taken to the hospital, where he later died.
None of the Jennings County deputies or SWAT team members were injured.
The encounter lasted 21 seconds from the time Low got out of his vehicle to the shooting.
An autopsy determined that Lark had methamphetamine, fentanyl, and THC in his system and that he died from the gunshot wound.
Belding says no charges are warranted.
Indiana State Police-Versailles Post detectives conducted the investigation, which included body camera video from Low and Sheriff Kenny Freeman, who was right behind the deputy during the encounter.
The Prosecutor’s findings can be read below:
Jennings Prosecutor Belding Officer Involved Shooting Findings
