NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded to a disturbance call at a Thomas Street residence in North Vernon on Tuesday, at around 7 p.m. They encountered Rachel Blake, 23, inside a bathroom and she was reportedly holding a large knife.
Officers say they repeatedly told her to drop the knife and they also used a taser to try to disarm her. When she allegedly advanced towards them with the knife, two NVPD officers fired their department-issued handguns, striking the woman at least once.
Law enforcement administered first aid to her until EMS arrived to provide advanced medical treatment. Blake was soon pronounced dead at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.
JCSO and NVPD requested that Indiana State Police investigators conduct the inquiry.
All involved officers have been placed on administrative leave per their department policies.
The investigation is ongoing and once concluded, the case will be presented to the Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
