Terre Haute officer cleared in officer involved shooting
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – After a lengthy investigation, the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office reports the Terre Haute Police Department officer involved in the police action shooting on Oct. 20 was “exercising self-defense to prevent serious bodily injury or death.”
The incident happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 20 in the 2100 block of Cleveland Avenue.
WTHI-TV was told at the scene that the incident began when a couple was fighting in the street. Officials state the male subject, later identified as Quintin M. Towles, Jr. 25 of Terre Haute, had a gun.
It was when a bullet went through the front door of a neighboring house at 2122 Cleveland that the female inside called 911. Within two minutes an officer arrived on scene.
That THPD officer has been identified as Officer Lance Sander, who has been with the department for more than two years.
“The Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office has reviewed the evidence surrounding the shooting of Quintin Towles, Jr.,” explained Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. “I have concluded the actions of Terre Haute Police Officer Lance Sanders were consistent with exercising self-defense to prevent serious bodily injury or death or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. No criminal charges will be filed against the officer for his response to the alleged burglary and resisting law enforcement while drawing or using a deadly weapon.”
During their investigation, officials used police reports, medical records, photographs, evidence collection reports and statements from several witnesses, including neighbors, law enforcement officers, and Quintin Towles, Jr.
“A review of the facts has resulted in the conclusion that Officer Sanders committed no criminal act in responding to the scene, investigating, and ultimately firing upon Quintin Towles, Jr. three times,” Modesitt continued.
As a result Towles, Jr. was charged with burglary, criminal recklessness, intimidation, pointing a firearm, resisting law enforcement and carrying a handgun without a license.
