THPD investigating shots fired at O’Reilly Auto Parts

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— UPDATE: The Terre Haute Police Department has released new information regarding a shots fired incident Thursday night.

THPD released a statement saying that officers responded to the 1900 block of south 3rd Street at O’Reilly Auto Parts just after 8:00 PM on Thursday night for a report of shots fired.

Upon investigation, officers learned that the suspect arrived at O’Reilly Auto Parts to dispute a recent trespass order. THPD says the suspect was told to leave and refused which led to a brief physical altercation. Police say, the suspect then returned to their vehicle, retrieving what was believed to be a handgun and pointed it at an employee.

THPD says a nearby customer who was working on his vehicle and was legally carrying a firearm, intervened to defend the employee and shot the suspect multiple times. Police say, the suspect then fled in a vehicle driven by a family member. Officers later found the vehicle and the suspect at a local hospital. The suspect was transferred to an Indianapolis-area hospital and is currently in stable condition.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the handgun used by the suspect was an airsoft pistol.

THPD detectives and the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office are still actively investigating the incident. We will keep you updated as further information is released.