CHESTERTON, Ind. (WNDU) – Prosecutors say the officers who took part in a shootout with a man almost two months ago near a hotel in Chesterton acted in self-defense.
The shootout happened back on June 18 when Officer Nolan Mancera and Lieutenant David Virijevich responded to reports of “an unwanted individual” at a Hilton Garden Inn.
Hotel staff reportedly told police that 45-year-old Joseph Gerber of Winamac had stayed overnight but was not a registered guest there. They also told police he had been acting “distant” and had a gun.
Investigators say Gerber became increasingly agitated when he was being escorted from the hotel and ran away when officers asked him for an ID.
According to prosecutors, Gerber fired the first shot at Officer Mancera. The officers then reportedly returned fire, hitting Gerber multiple times. However, an autopsy revealed that Gerber died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Officer Mancera was taken to the hospital after the shootout, but he was expected to make a full recovery.
According to prosecutors, toxicology results indicate Gerber had a significant amount of meth in his system at the time of the shootout. They also suggest Gerber ran away from police because he had an active warrant for his arrest.
In turn, prosecutors have concluded that Officer Mancera and Lieutenant Virijevich acted in self-defense in that they were not only protecting themselves but also numerous other people by shooting back at Gerber.
