Fatal Fort Wayne Shooting Sparks Police Chase and Standoff; Two Dead, Including Suspect
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A deadly shooting that unfolded Sunday evening in a quiet residential neighborhood of Fort Wayne triggered a police pursuit and standoff that ended in Whitley County with the fatal shooting of the suspect by law enforcement. Authorities have now publicly identified both the victim and the suspect involved in this tragic chain of events.
The Allen County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that 46-year-old Jeremiah Donald Lothamer of Fort Wayne was the victim of the initial shooting. Lothamer died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death has been ruled a homicide.
Fort Wayne police responded to the incident at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, after receiving reports of gunfire in the 1600 block of Hinton Drive, located northwest of downtown. Upon arrival, officers discovered Lothamer critically injured inside a residence. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
As the investigation at the scene began, officers were quickly notified that the suspect had fled the area in a vehicle. Police were able to locate the vehicle shortly thereafter, prompting a high-speed pursuit that crossed jurisdictional lines. The chase, which lasted around 20 minutes, led officers from western Allen County into neighboring Whitley County.
The pursuit came to a dramatic and deadly end near the intersection of State Road 9 and County Road 100 East, just south of Columbia City, when the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Christifer Debus, crashed his vehicle. According to the Fort Wayne Police Department and Indiana State Police, Debus exited the vehicle and opened fire on officers, specifically targeting an Indiana State Police trooper at close range.
In the ensuing exchange, law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally striking Debus at the scene. No officers were injured during the confrontation, though the emotional impact on the involved units is significant.
“This was an incredibly volatile and dangerous situation that escalated rapidly,” said a spokesperson for the Fort Wayne Police Department. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and also with the officers who responded with courage and professionalism in the face of grave danger.”
Investigators have not yet released a motive for the initial shooting on Hinton Drive. Authorities are continuing to interview witnesses, collect forensic evidence, and piece together the timeline of events that led to the violent encounter.
Neighbors on Hinton Drive described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene. “It was terrifying,” said one resident. “You just don’t expect something like this to happen so close to home. I saw the lights and heard the sirens, and then learned someone had been shot—it’s just devastating.”
Jeremiah Lothamer, remembered by family and friends as a kind and generous man, leaves behind loved ones who are now grappling with sudden loss and unanswered questions. Supporters have already begun organizing efforts to assist his family with funeral arrangements and emotional support.
This incident is being jointly investigated by the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Allen and Whitley County Sheriff’s Departments. The agencies have pledged transparency as they review body camera footage, ballistics, and other evidence surrounding both shootings.
This marks yet another tragedy in what has been a difficult year for communities across Indiana dealing with the growing toll of gun violence and high-risk police encounters.
This is an ongoing investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Fort Wayne Police or Crime Stoppers.