Indiana State Police investigating fatal officer-involved shooting in Muncie

Written from press release

MUNCIE, Ind. — Indiana State Police are investigating after a Muncie police officer shot a man early Saturday who later crashed and died, police said.

The Muncie Police Department requested ISP conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting, according to a Saturday news release from Sgt. Scott Keegan, public information officer for the Indiana State Police Pendleton District.

Police said Muncie officers were dispatched about 2:17 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, to the 3000 block of West Oaklyn Avenue after a report of a man attempting to force entry into a residence.

Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect, later identified as James Patrick Willis, 51, of Muncie, police said.

During the encounter, police said Willis attempted to flee in a 2003 Chevrolet pickup and drove directly at a Muncie police officer. The officer fired a department-issued handgun, striking Willis at least once, according to ISP.

Police said Willis continued to flee in the pickup after the shooting. He later crashed near South Tillotson Avenue and West Godman Avenue and was pronounced dead.

After the investigation is completed, ISP said its findings will be submitted to the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Indiana State Police were assisted by the Muncie Police Department, Delaware County Coroner’s Office and Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.

Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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