*UPDATED RELEASE*

The Indiana State Police is providing updated information regarding the identification of the deceased and the involved officers from last night’s police action shooting in New Haven. 

The deceased has been identified as Robert A. Vicena, 37, of Fort Wayne, IN.  As part of the ongoing investigation, the Allen County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy earlier today at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Fort Wayne.  Toxicology results and information from that autopsy are pending.

The three involved New Haven police officers are: Sergeant Howard Lininger, Patrolman Aaron Koch (pronounced “Cook”), and Patrolman Braden Pope.  Per the New Haven Police Departments standard operating policy, all three officers have been placed on an administrative leave status pending the investigation.  Any further inquiries as to the officers employment history should be directed to New Haven Police Chief James Kugler.

This remains an ongoing criminal investigation.  Once the investigation has been completed, the case will be turned over to the Allen County Prosecutor for a full review. 

There is no further information to release at this time.

(New Haven, IN) (4-28-24)- The Indiana State Police is currently investigating an overnight officer involved shooting involving the New Haven Police Department in the 6000 block of Moeller Road, New Haven, IN. 

On Saturday April 27, 2024, just after 11:00pm, three officers from the New Haven Police Department were dispatched to a domestic battery call at 6008 Moeller Road, lot #165.

During that response officers were inside the residence and attempting to place the adult male resident in custody, at which time an altercation resulted and two NHPD officers sustained injuries consistent with a knife attack. Officer(s) discharged their duty weapon(s) and the male suspect sustained a lethal gunshot wound and died at the scene.  The two injured NHPD officers were transported to Fort Wayne area hospitals for medical treatment. 

Names of the officers and the deceased suspect are being withheld at this time pending family notifications.

The Indiana State Police is the lead agency in this investigation, assisted by the Allen County Coroner’s Office, Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Haven Police Department. 

This is an ongoing death investigation.  At this time there is no further information to release. As information becomes available, un updated release will be sent out.