PETERSBURG, IN (WFIE) -
Indiana State Police continue to investigate last night's police-action shooting in Pike County. Officers say 37-year-old Michael Woodland is in serious condition after investigators say he raised a rifle in front of a Petersburg Police officer.
Neighbors tell me they heard gun shots fired, and moments later their street was filled with squad cars. Indiana State Police say the Petersburg Police officer acted to protect himself.
"It really scares me, and it makes me wonder what kind of people are around here," said Cheslea Stafford.
Stafford says her neighborhood is usually quiet and most everyone keeps to themselves, but she says last night, " I just heard an ambulance come up the road, and then we walked down there and saw police tape every where and there were like five cop cars down there."
According to Indiana State Police, Petersburg Police officer Chad Tharp was called out to this residence on Trafzer Street on a domestic violence call. When he arrived, police say Woodland came outside carrying a high powered rifle.
"As soon as he came out of that residence, he was a very dangerous person," said Todd Ringle with Indiana State Police.
Officers say Tharp ordered Woodland to drop the weapon, but instead Woodland started to raise the rifle.
"At that point the police officer felt like his life was in danger," Ringle said.
Officers say Tharp then fired, hitting Woodland. Indiana State Police continue to investigate, but Ringle says Tharp's actions were appropriate because Woodland was acting aggressively.
Ringle says Tharp will take a few days off to recuperate from this incident.
"Using deadly force is something that we don't take lightly. We know that it's part of our job and we have to do it, but again using deadly force on an individual is extremely stressful. It's something that most police officers hope they never have to use," Ringle said.
Ringle says they are still investigating what happened prior to Tharp's arrival including who was in the home and other factors.
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