Fort Wayne Police has confirmed a handgun in close proximity to the suspect killed in the May 22 police action shooting.
The fatal shooting took place in the early morning after police responded to apparent gunfire on Fort Wayne's southeast side. Police attempted to pull over a vehicle, which sped off. The chase led police to the 3600 block of Oliver Street, where the car they were pursuing crashed into a vacant house.
Officer Christopher Hawthorn, a member of the gang unit fired his weapon at 26-year-old Shaquille I. Kelly of Fort Wayne.
Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene, of a gunshot wound to the chest. The Allen County Coroner declared Kelly’s death a homicide.
Fort Wayne Police officials said in a press release a shell casing was also found at the scene where officers heard the initial shots. Ballistic testing is underway to determine if the weapon and casing match.
The investigation is ongoing and officials say more information will be released as soon as it is available.
Hawthorn received both a letter of commendation and a meritorious service citation in 2016. He has had three disciplinary involvements in his career concerning accidents in his police vehicle.
This is the Allen County's 8th homicide in 2019.