FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Indiana State Police are investigating after an Allen County Sheriff’s Department deputy fired his weapon at a church’s live nativity scene Saturday night.

According to the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, a New Haven police officer radioed Central Ministries Church in the northeast part of the county for “urgent assistance” around 9:14 p.m.

When sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene, police said the New Haven officer told them a man was pointing a gun at him. Police said they later found the suspect on church property.

At some point during the investigation, an Allen County Sheriff’s Department officer fired her weapon. What led to the officer firing his weapon and whether anyone was hit is unknown at this time

Two people were hospitalized in moderate to serious condition. Police could not elaborate on the nature of the injuries that led them to seek medical attention, nor whether they were involved in the investigation or bystanders.

According to police, a suspect is currently under arrest. Their connection to the investigation remains unknown.

Because an officer fired his weapon, Indiana State Police were called in to investigate.

Central Ministries Church is located near the corner of Schwartz and St. Joe Center Road. At this time, the church was hosting its annual “The Living Nativity Drive Thru.” Police estimate that there were hundreds of people and live animals on the church grounds at the time.

Church leaders took to Facebook to share the following statement.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 WPTA. All rights reserved.