COLUMBUS, Ind. – The investigation into the officer-involved shooting early Sunday morning is still ongoing, but Indiana State Police investigators released an update and identified the parties involved on Tuesday.
Sgt. Lukas Nibarger, a seven-year Columbus Police Department veteran, responded to a residence in the 3000 block of Grove Parkway early Sunday morning to investigate a suspicious person on the property. He encountered Jacob Rice, 38, of Columbus. The suspect reportedly ignored the officer’s verbal commands and attempted to flee on foot. Nibarger chased him into the back yard where he again gave verbal commands to stop. Investigators believe Rice fired one round from a firearm at Sgt. Nibarger, who was not hit. The officer then returned fire and struck Rice once.
Ambulance EMTs provided initial medical attention to Rice. He was then transported to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis by medical helicopter. His condition has been listed as critical.
The investigation revealed Rice had allegedly stolen the firearm used in the shooting from a car in the Columbus area before his interaction with Sgt. Nibarger.
