The Indiana State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Michigan City on Wednesday.

According to police, at 5:53 p.m. two Michigan City Police officers assigned to their Safe Streets Team stopped a passenger vehicle on Welnetz Road for a traffic violation. That vehicle was occupied by four persons, one of whom—identified as Daniel Sherrod Jr., 19, of Michigan City—fled on foot, the ISP said.

The officers were in a fully marked police car and in uniform.

One of the two MCPD officers followed Sherrod, who ran a short distance, then entered an “unlocked, occupied residence” in the Salem Port apartment complex. There a struggle ensued between the officer and Sherrod, who attempted to remove the officer’s weapon, the ISP said.

The office, however, succeeded in regaining control of his sidearm and fired, hitting Sherrod in the abdomen, the ISP said.

Sherrod fled again on foot but was subsequently found a mile away in an acquaintance’s apartment in the Dody Street complex, the ISP said.

Sherrod was transported to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City, then airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend where he is reported to be in serious condition.

The officer was not injured.

In accordance with MCPD policy, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

The officer involved in the shooting is Michigan City Police Patrolman Ron Skibins, a six year veteran. He is currently on paid administrative leave. This is in accordance with Michigan City Police Department policies, the ISP said.

 “Investigations of this nature can take weeks to complete. Once finished, the investigation will be submitted to the LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and action as deemed appropriate.”

Posted 6/21/2012