SALEM, INDIANA: An Indiana woman shot and killed a 45-year-old man after he drove into her front yard and held her husband at gunpoint, as revealed by authorities.
Indiana State police department noted that the incident took place at around 6.40 pm on Monday, August 7, when deputies were sent to a home in the 7700 block of South Organ Springs Road on a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, the officers found that Michael Chastain has been shot in the front yard of the property. Indiana State Police stated that Chastain allegedly drove through the front yard before getting out of his car, grabbing the homeowner, and forcing him to the ground.
He then apparently pulled out a weapon and pointed it at the man's head. The officials said the homeowner’s wife was inside the house when she noticed that her husband was being held at gunpoint.
The unidentified woman then retrieved her handgun and shot Chastain, who was later taken to Saint Vincent Hospital in Salem, where he was pronounced dead.
"[Chastain] exited his vehicle and put a firearm toward the homeowner’s head. The wife of the homeowner observed the altercation that occurred, walked outside with a firearm, and eventually shot Chastain," stated Indiana State Police Sgt John Davis, as per the New York Post.
Who is Michael Chastain?
Police did note that the homeowner's daughter reportedly had a prior relationship with Chastain, adding that she no longer lives at the house.
Authorities are yet to find the reason behind Chastain targeting her father. However, the investigators remarked that he was known in the area and had a criminal background.
As of now, the police haven't released the names of the homeowner or his wife, and it is currently unclear if the woman will face any charges. Eventually, the case will be handed to Washington County Prosecutor's Office.
Indiana's 'Stand Your Ground' law can prevent police from pressing charges against Michael Chastain’s shooter
According to Indy Justice, people of Indiana are permitted to use physical force in self-defense and to protect others from what they "reasonably believe is the imminent threat of unlawful force, serious bodily injury, unlawful trespassing on property, or the commission of a felony" under the state's "Stand Your Ground" law.
"A law has been put in place you can use force against another individual," said Sergeant Matt Ames of Indiana State Police in April, as per Daily Mail. "If they believe the force is imminent or it can cause serious bodily harm to themselves or another individual," he told to news outlet WTHI.
However, Sergeant Ames cautioned that the law does not defend those who commit acts of aggression as it only protects those who defend themselves.
"People need to realize that if someone knocks at your door. You're maybe scared a little bit, but there's no threat to you, you have no authorization to be using the use of force by getting that gun out and doing something that could result in bodily injury or death," added Ames.
