Police: Gunman shot down after sneaking out during standoff

Also see: obituary for homicide victim Amanda Kerns

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

An alleged shooting suspect holed up inside a house on the north side of the city for a more than 20 hour long police standoff managed to escape to a nearby house at one point in the situation -- but was ultimately shot down by police and killed.

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"It was kind of a hectic scene last night [Monday,] with multiple rounds being fired -- and our officers were there, most of them, until 9 a.m." Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse informed reporters during a news conference at police headquarters. 

Emergency crews were dispatched to the 2100 block of Putnam Street yesterday around 4:15 p.m. regarding two gunshot victims. A woman would not survive, while a man remains hospitalized in critical condition from gunshot wound-related injuries.

Amanda Kerns, 40, was found dead inside a bedroom of the residence, with gunshot wounds. The male victim, yet to be identified,  has since undergone surgery and is expected to recover, Plasse explained. 

The male victim  reportedly informed arriving officers that the shooting suspect was Mikey Reynolds, whom had allegedly fled the scene in a gold car with paper plates.

Police tracked the suspect down at a residence in the 2200 block of First Avenue just a short time later -- and were reportedly met with gunfire upon arrival. The Special Response Team arrived to assist at the scene.

During the lengthy standoff, officials estimate the suspect fired 200 rounds from inside the home. A police sniper reportedly fired one round toward the suspect through a wall --- and the suspect continued firing his rifle nonetheless.

The Indiana State Police SWAT team would eventually relieve the THPD  team several hours later, after 1 a.m.

Sgt. Joe Watts , of ISP, said gas was used after establishing a perimeter in attempt to get the suspect to come out. Soon, an informant alerted officers that the suspect has gotten out of the house during the overnight hours and was, in fact, at 2123 Fourth Avenue. 

Four others in the Fourth Avenue residence complied and evacuated the home. Police saw the suspect in a rear window and door of the home, when he darted out, presenting a threat just after noon, Watts explained.

"Our SWAT officers were able to eliminate the threat from him and returned fire," Watts said, noting he was deceased at the scene. Police found him to be armed, dressed in all black and wearing armor.

Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt praised the THPD and ISP and their teamwork and showing bravery during the situation.

"This is a very dangerous incident that occurred. And there were a lot of lives in danger, as a result of this incident," he said.

The investigation into the shootings are ongoing at this time.