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Indiana Man Shot by Sheriff’s Deputy

A northwest Indiana man previously charged for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred at 4:15 p.m. along State Road 14, near the Pulaski County line. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy attempted to arrest the suspect during the stop, but the suspect resisted, leading to an altercation.

During the encounter, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Matthew W. Huttle of Hobart, Indiana, was found to be armed. The deputy, in response to the threat, discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Huttle.

Huttle had been previously charged with misdemeanor offenses related to trespassing into the U.S. Capitol during the events of Jan. 6. Security footage showed him entering the Senate Wing and moving through the Capitol. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison and was released on July 17, 2023.

Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson expressed condolences to the family while emphasizing the need for transparency in this case. “For full transparency, I requested the Indiana State Police to investigate this officer-involved shooting,” Sheriff Williamson stated. He confirmed the involved officer has been placed on paid administrative leave per standard protocol.

Sheriff Williamson reassured the public that the officer’s name would be released pending approval from state police detectives. “Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased, as any loss of life is traumatic,” he added.

This tragic incident highlights the complex and dangerous situations law enforcement officers face in protecting their communities.

Approximately 730 individuals have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses stemming from the January 6 incident, including charges like trespassing and disorderly conduct. Over 300 cases remain pending in court, with some defendants facing violent felony charges. Under the Biden administration, prosecutors charged more than 1,580 individuals and secured around 1,270 convictions, with 55% of prosecutions involving misdemeanor offenses.

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