No charges will be filed against Grant County Sheriff’s (GCSD) Lt. Matt Sneed, following an officer-involved shooting last month.
According to a press release from the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office, evidence was recently submitted after an investigation from the Indiana State Police. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Evan K. Hammond reviewed the evidence as well as GCSD’s use of force policy, determining that the incident was “a legally justifiable shooting by law enforcement.”
During the initial incident, Sneed responded to 3209 S. Central Ave. on Jan. 17 at approximately 6:15 p.m. for a reported stabbing.
On arrival, Sneed reportedly observed 25-year-old Daniel L. Young leaving in his vehicle. Sneed told Young to stop, but officials state Young did not comply.
According to the press release, Sneed was struck by the vehicle and was on the hood as the vehicle began to accelerate. Sneed reportedly fired multiple shots into the windshield, hitting Young.
Once the vehicle came to a stop, Sneed and two other officers rendered aid to Young. The press release states paramedics transported Young to Marion General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials say an autopsy indicated several drugs in Young’s system.
According to Indiana Code 35-41-3-2(c), “a person is justified in using deadly force if they do not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony. No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary.”
