Man shot by officers Thursday was fought off by a woman with sword in 2015
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The suspect shot by police officers on the south side Thursday was involved in a home invasion in 2015 where a woman fought him off with a sword.
Jacob Wessel, 31, was shot by officers at Meridian Street and Regent Street Thursday evening. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said officers fired at Wessel after he pointed a gun at them.
Wessel was hospitalized but has since been released from the intensive care unit.
Wessel had been staying with Stephen Bennie and Bennie’s wife in Franklin when police say he stole Bennie’s car and led officers on a chase before eventually being shot.
“I hope he dies, that’s the way I feel,” Bennie said.
Bennie and his wife were giving Wessel a place to stay for several weeks.
“I didn’t want him here to begin with, I told her (his wife) get him out of here, I don’t trust him, he’s nothing but a moocher,” Bennie added.WESSEL’S PREVIOUS ARREST
In October 2015, a woman trained in medieval combat fought off Wessel with a sword after he entered her residence.
Karen Dolley said she put a sword to Wessel’s kidney after Wessel began to reach into his pocket.
At the time, she said Wessel was paranoid because he thought someone was chasing him.
Online court records indicate that Wessel received a jail sentence of 910 days, with 68 days credit and 730 days suspended, as well as probation after taking a plea deal for residential entry. He was also subject to a substance abuse evaluation.
After Thursday’s incident, Wessel faces preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of narcotics, auto theft and also firearms-related charges.
Investigators said a gun and narcotics were found at the time of the shooting.
Wessel had been wanted in Johnson County for auto theft. IMPD officers were notified that a stolen Saturn might be in the area of Meridian Street and Regent Street. Officers said Wessel fled when confronted.
Officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, a typical procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
