SWAT officers named in death of murder suspect in TH standoff

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
​Indiana Central News

An Indiana State Police death investigation is ongoing after a murder suspect was gunned down during a lengthy standoff on Terre Haute's north side last week -- after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend and also injuring a male victim.

Michael "Mikey" R. Reynolds, 36, was shot and killed by members of the Indiana State Police SWAT team on the afternoon of Thursday, March 6.

Reynolds exited the rear of a home at  2123 Fourth Avenue after initially refusing, according to ISP Sgt. Joe Watts.

Tonight, he  explains the events that led up to the shooting that left the suspect dead at the scene, following a 20-hour ordeal and names officers involved in the fatal shooting.

"Reynolds was armed with two weapons, failed to comply with verbal commands given by state police SWAT team members, and reached for the weapons in his waistband. At that time, Reynolds was fired upon by members of the ISP SWAT team. After being shot, officers immediately assessed the suspect for medical assistance at which time EMS personnel were called to the scene.  

The involved officers ---  members of the ISP South SWAT team -- have been placed on paid administrative leave pending a complete review of the circumstances in this police action shooting, as is standard in these types of cases. Watts identifies the officers as follows:
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• Eric Williams, a 17 -year veteran of which 12 years have been on the SWAT team
• Joseph Livers, also a 17 -veteran with nine years on the SWAT team
• Michael Lehmkuhler, an 18 - year veteran with 11 years on the SWAT team
• Nicholas Yaeger, a six -veteran with one -year on the SWAT team
• Koty Seifert, a five -year veteran with eight -months of service on the SWAT team.

The ISP SWAT took over at the scene to assist Terre Haute Police Special Response Team. At some point in the overnight hours, Reynolds sneaked away from a First Avenue residence to the one on Fourth Avenue. Officials now say the escape included a shopping trip at a local supercenter before he eventually was fatally wounded.

​See related story:
 www.indianacentralnews.com/terre-haute-news/thpd-situation-is-ongoing-dead-shooting-victims-name-released