A volunteer fireman was killed after he stopped to help a stranded driver on the Indiana Highway.
According to an Indiana State Police press release, Justin Moore On May 16, the gas ran out and his car pulled over to the side of the highway. Reserve Officer Zachary Holly The Palmyra Police Department stopped to assist the 24-year-old Jacob McClanahan, a volunteer firefighter, and a friend stopped to help.
During their conversation, Officer Holly Moore, 31, asked if there were any weapons in the car. Moore advised the officer that there were no weapons but that a small knife had been found in his possession. The officer told Moore to get back in the car, and when he got back in the car, he turned around with a shotgun. He fired shots at Officer Holly, who fired back.
Moore fired a second shot, which struck McClanahan dead. Officer Holly continued to fire at Moore until he too was shot. The police officer was taken to Harrison County Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.
Investigators were unable to determine if Justin Moore, from Owensboro, Kentucky, was traveling to Indiana, the statement said.
McLaughlin has worked as a volunteer firefighter with the Ramsay Fire Department and has worked for the Harrison County Highway Department.
A GoFundMe was set up on behalf of the family. As of Sunday, the online fundraiser had received more than 22,000 in grants, more than double its original goal.
“Our hearts ache today for the unconscious and tragic loss of a young caring person who was just trying to help,” says GoFundMe. “Jacob was an amazing young man who could do anything for anyone and was a great asset to our community.”
An investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing, the press release said.