PAOLI - FEBRUARY 24, 2024 - Early Today, February 24, 2024, Indiana State Police Dispatch received a call from Lawrence County Dispatch, that a male suspect was being sought for the investigation of a homicide that had taken place in Lawrence County.
Photo: Indiana State Road 56 and U.S. 150 was closed for several hours on Paoli's westside while law enforcement was negotiating with with a Lawrence County homicide suspect
Multiple agencies responded in the area to assist in locating the suspect. At approximately 12:33 pm., an officer with the Paoli Police located the suspect vehicle as it pulled into a gas station in Paoli.
The suspect refused to exit his vehicle and barricaded himself inside.
Multiple agencies along with the Indiana State Police SWAT team responded.
After several hours of negotiations, the suspect was taken into custody.
There were no officers or members of the public injured during this incident.
Any information into the homicide in Lawrence County should be made to Sheriff Greg Day. The name of the suspect will be released by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.
The Lawrence County Sheriff Department updated information:
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Investigating a Shooting ***UPDATE*** On Saturday afternoon, around 1:00pm, the black Jeep was located by Paoli Police and Orange County Sheriff’s officers, as it pulled into a gas station on Main Street in Paoli.
Officers conducted a felony stop, ordering the two occupants out of the vehicle. The driver, identified as Bradley Harper, surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
However, the passenger, identified as Casey Brown, refused to exit. An hours-long stand-off ensued. Officers from Orleans, Paoli, West Baden, French Lick, Orange County, Lawrence County, and Indiana State Police responded to the scene.
Negotiations were started by officers on scene. The Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team responded to the scene.
They attempted to negotiate and utilized numerous less lethal techniques, including deploying pepper balls and gas canisters into the vehicle. However, Brown, who was displaying a firearm, continued to disregard commands, and refused to surrender.
Photo: Bradley Harper
Eventually Brown utilized the handgun in his possession and suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers immediately removed Brown from the vehicle and administered life-saving measures.
Photo: Casey Brown
EMS, who was already on scene, took over and transported Brown to IU Health in Paoli. He was then flown to University of Louisville Hospital.
No firearms, other than less lethal guns, were discharged by law enforcement.
Harper was transported back to Lawrence County for questioning.
The Jeep is being processed for evidence by both ISP and Lawrence County. Brown is in law enforcement custody at the hospital for the offenses of murder and attempted murder.
Photo: Kobe Stancombe 21, Bedford, Indiana died at the scene in the 4000 block of Fort Ritner Road Saturday morning
The shooting victim has been identified as Kobe Stancombe, age 21 of Bedford. The family has been notified. The investigation is continuing, but preliminary information gathered shows that Brown, Harper, Stancombe, and a female knew each other and were all together in the Jeep when the shooting occurred.
In addition to Stancombe being shot, it is believed that multiple shots were fired at the female as she fled from the Jeep. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank all assisting agencies. _______________________________________________________________
***Initial Release*** On Saturday morning, around 5:30am, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 4000 block of Fort Ritner Road after receiving a 911 call of a shooting that had just occurred.
When officers arrived they found a 21 year old male deceased from a gunshot wound.
Witnesses on scene provided information and informed officers that the person(s) responsible for the shooting had fled the scene in a vehicle.
At this time, the identity of the victim is being withheld pending family notifications.
Investigating officers are currently seeking two persons of interest – Casey C. Brown (38 years old of Ft. Ritner) and Bradley Harper Jr (39 years old of Bedford).
They could possibly be in a black 2018 Jeep Wrangler (plate 986UAC) which will have a missing back driver’s side window.
They could also be in a gray or silver older Jeep SUV.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Brown, Harper, or the Jeep is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 812-275-3316.
They are considered armed and dangerous, so do not approach if they are observed. More information will be released at a later time as the investigation continues.
There are three photos attached to this release - two are the various looks of Casey Brown and the other is Bradley Harper.
For breaking news and information go to lczephyr.org or like/follow the Lawrence County Zephyr Facebook page.
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