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Updated: 12:08 AM Aug 20, 2009
Update: Lakeville manhunt over, suspect in custody
Lakeville, IN A manhunt is over and police have a suspect in custody in Lakeville for a deadly shooting around noon today. Posted: 1:11 PM Aug 19, 2009Reporter: Brandon Lewis Email Address: Brandon.Lewis@wndu.com |
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A manhunt is over and police have a suspect in custody in Lakeville for a deadly shooting around noon today.
St. Joseph County Police were called to 68581 Linden Road in Lakeville on a report of shots fired.
When an officer arrived, he saw a woman fleeing the home and the gunman then aimed at the officer. Instead of firing, he fled into a nearby wooded area, as officers began the hunt they found a body in the backyard.
"There was a male deceased behind the home, our officers were able to make it up to the rear of the home and confirm that there was an individual laying on the ground with a gun shot wound to the head," said Sergent Bill Redmen with the St. Joseph County Police Department.
About 50 officers from St. Joseph County, Marshall County, South Bend, Mishawaka, Lakeville, Indiana State Police, and other surrounding agencies all assisted in the manhunt.
"It's scary, we live far enough away that we didn't know what was going until cop cars started going by," said neighbor Jim Smith.
Officers took precaution when they searched for Balmer. He was in the military and has training using high powered rifles.
"We received information inside the house there was a gun safe with several high powered rifles," said Metro Homicide Commander Tim Corbett. "We also received information he was a sniper and quite capable of causing damage."
LaVille Junior-Senior High Schools were put on lock down during the hunt, although no students were ever in any danger.
The suspect, Arden Balmer Jr, 28, was shot in the shoulder by S.W.A.T. officers when he returned to the scene around 2:30 p.m.
"It is scary, and Ii thought it was a stranger, I'm kind of shocked to hear it was a neighbor," said neighbor Chris Werntz.
One neighbor described the family as a good, Christian family and was very surprised to hear about the shooting.
"They're a great family, close knit family, very friendly, I don't recall any kind of problems before," said Wava Apelgreen.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit is investigating the scene and will not confirm if Balmer killed the shooting victim.
Police also have not released the name of the victim or the woman who was seen leaving the home. St. Joesph County Police confirmed this was a domestic issue, but will not confirm reports of a lovers quarrel and any relationship between Balmer and the woman.
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