Indiana State Police and local law enforcement agencies swarmed a location in downtown New Albany Friday evening after receiving a tip that a man wanted in connection with the shooting of an Orange County sheriff's deputy.
During a news conference, ISP spokesman Kevin Getz said police had received information that Austin Schepers, 33, of Jaspers, Indiana, may be at a home in the 1800 block of East Market Street. Schepers is a person of interest in the shooting of Deputy Zach Andry, which occurred earlier today.
Police are unsure if Schepers is in the home, Getz said, but officials have applied for a search warrant and hope to peacefully remove the man from the home once he is inside.
“We can't confirm or deny that he's in the house, but we certainly have to act like he's in the house,” Getz said. “Our goal is to end this peacefully. We don't want anyone else to get hurt or injured.”
A police vehicle sits outside a New Albany warehouse Friday evening in the 1800 block of East Market, where Indiana State Police are following a tip that a man suspected in the Friday morning shooting of an Orange County sheriff's deputy on Jan. 3 area could be. , 2025.
What happened in the Orange County shooting?
According to a report from the IndyStar, Andy was driving near the intersection of US 150 and Indiana State Road 56 on Friday morning when he saw a disabled vehicle with two people inside.
After stopping and approaching the vehicle, Andry asked the occupants to step outside, Getz said. Shortly afterwards, Schepers allegedly shot the deputy before leaving the scene. A woman was also in the car at the time of the shooting.
Andry was taken to UofL Health in downtown Louisville for treatment, where his condition remains unknown. Getz could not provide additional details, although a fund has been set up to help Andry and his family, he said.
Officials issued a Blue Alert after the shooting, which Indiana law enforcement agencies use to alert people when an officer is in danger, killed or seriously injured. Schepers' vehicle was reportedly found later Friday morning in Orangeville, Indiana.
Police describe Schepers as a man approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a tattoo of a cross under his left eye and several tattoos around his neck.
Getz urged citizens to remember that Schepers is still considered armed and dangerous despite the ongoing search in New Albany.
“Don't go to him,” Getz said. “Our primary focus is to ensure that we put an end to this and also ensure the safety and security of all our citizens.”
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at [email protected] or @bkillian72 on.
This article originally appeared in the Louisville Courier Journal: Indiana State Police, New Albany Police search for shooting suspect
