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FULTON COUNTY — A man is in custody after an early morning shooting incident in Rochester today.
According to a news release from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), at approximately 5:50 a.m. today, Fulton County 911 received a report of a shooting at a residence in the 4300 block of McCarty Lane, Rochester. The initial caller reported hearing an argument followed by multiple gunshots.
Deputies from the FCSO, along with officers from the Rochester Police Department, responded to the area. The preliminary investigation determined that an altercation had occurred between two men.
During the altercation, Christian Sanderson, 25, allegedly produced a handgun and pointed it at another man. As the other man attempted to disarm or deflect the firearm, the weapon discharged. The two became involved in a physical altercation. Sanderson subsequently fled the area on foot and allegedly fired additional rounds as he ran toward the roadway, the release states.
The other man suffered apparent injuries from the physical altercation and was evaluated by medical personnel. There were no reported gunshot injuries.
Due to the circumstances of the incident and information indicating Sanderson was armed, the FCSO issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents in and around the McCarty Lane and Olson Road area while law enforcement conducted an extensive search.
Sanderson was eventually found and taken into custody without further incident. The shelter-in-place advisory was lifted.
Sanderson is being held pending the filing and review of criminal charges, according to the release. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Travis Heishman stated, “I want to thank all of the neighboring agencies and our public safety partners who immediately responded and provided personnel and specialized resources to assist our deputies. Incidents like this demonstrate the importance of agencies working together, and the response we received today was outstanding. I also want to thank the residents in the area for following the shelter-in-place order and the instructions of law enforcement. Their cooperation helped us safely resolve this incident.”
The FCSO was assisted by the Rochester Police Department, Indiana State Police, Logansport Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Marshall County Drug Task Force, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Fulton County 911 and Parkview EMS.
The FCSO thanked the community for its cooperation and patience while the search was conducted. Residents are reminded that when law enforcement issues a shelter-in-place or other emergency advisory, promptly following those instructions is critical to maintaining public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released when it can be provided without compromising the investigation, the release states.
