Prosecutor: No criminal charges against THPD officer

ICN File photo

“Indiana law applies equally to everyone, including law enforcement officers.  Our officers must occasionally make the decision to respond to a situation with deadly force.” 

-- Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt

Scene of Cleveland Avenue police-action shooting/Indiana State Police Photo

Investigation of the Oct. 20 police-action shooting of a suspect is complete, with the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office announcing today that the officer acted within his professional scope at the scene that morning.

Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt explained that a review of the case shows no wrong-doing on behalf of Terre Haute Police Officer Lance Sanders when he resorted to shooting suspect Quintin Towles Jr.

Since the shooting incident, and being discharged from the hospital where he was being treated for gunshot wounds suffered in the altercation, Towles, 25, was arrested and charged with: Burglary; criminal recklessness; intimidation; pointing a firearm; resisting law enforcement; and Carrying a Handgun without a license in Vigo Superior Court, Div. 1.  

The early morning shooting occurred in the 2100 block of Cleveland Avenue after police were initially dispatched to a domestic dispute and then additionally to reports of gunshots fired in that area. Sanders was allegedly confronted by Towles while investigating the scene,  and reportedly fired upon Towles three times.
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“The Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office has reviewed the evidence surrounding the shooting of Quintin Towles, Jr.  I have concluded the actions of Terre Haute Police Officer Lance Sanders, an officer with more than two years experience with the department, were consistent with exercising self-defense to prevent serious bodily injury or death or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony,” Modesitt stated in a press release issued this morning.  “No criminal charges will be filed against the officer for his response to the alleged burglary and resisting law enforcement while drawing or using a deadly weapon.”  


Today's announcement comes after reviewing  police reports, evidence collection reports, medical records, photographs and the statements of various witnesses -- including neighbors, law enforcement officers and Towles.  According to those accounts, Sanders acted in self-defense when he shot Towles.

“Indiana law applies equally to everyone, including law enforcement officers.  Our officers must occasionally make the decision to respond to a situation with deadly force,”  Modesitt continued. “When these events occur, we rely on the Indiana State Police to conduct an independent investigation and then we proceed with a thorough review of all evidence.  In this case, the investigation and evidence shows that the officer acted in self-defense, defense of a third person, and to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.  Criminal charges against the officer are not appropriate.  The investigation into the officer’s actions has reached its conclusion.”

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