Two investigations in fatal shooting

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - "This will be the third one in the last two or three years that I can remember," Lafayette Police Lieutenant Brad Hayworth said.

Prior to Thursday night's shooting near Kettle Circle in Lafayette, the last police action shooting happened in February 2012 when 31-year-old Javon Patterson was pulled over on Poland Hill Road near Twyckenham Boulevard.

As the officer approached the SUV a struggle took place.

The officer fired a shot into the back window of the vehicle and Patterson sped off, crashed his SUV into a fence at the corner of Poland Hill Road and Ortman Lane.

Police said he got away on foot and was later taken into custody by officers.

The one prior to that shooting happened in October 2011 when 39-year-old Paul Spencer led Officer Jeff Webb on an almost 4-mile chase.

Spencer's car crashed into an embankment on South 9th Street and Potomac Avenue. Officer Webb pulled up behind Spencer's car and so did Officer Ron Dombkowski.

Police said Spencer stabbed Officer Ron Dombkowski in the face with a large knife.  Spencer was then shot by police seven times and later died at an area hospital. 

"In both of those situations the officers were found not to have committed any wrongdoing and their actions are justified," Hayworth said.

Lieutenant Hayworth said anytime an officer is involved in a police action shooting there are several investigations that occur.

"We do the part involving the crime itself and then our administrative staff or our internal affairs division conducts the investigation regarding the shooting," Lt. Hayworth explained. "We try to get them done as quick as possible because the officer that's involved in the shooting is on paid administrative leave until the Shooting Review Board reviews their actions. So it's typically two to four days when everything is completely done."

Upon conclusion of these two investigations, a Shooting Review Board will convene to review both investigations.

The mission of the Shooting Review Board is to develop findings and make recommendations to the Chief of Police as to whether or not the shooting is within policy or accidental and if there should be any disciplinary considerations.

The progress of the two investigations will dictate when the Shooting Review Board will convene.

Lafayette's Deputy Chief of Police David Payne said the earliest the board will meet would be Tuesday. 

Payne said 3-year veteran Officer Donna Gregorash was the officer who discharged her firearm in Thursday night's shooting.

Under LPD policy, Officer Gregorash has been placed on administrative leave while the investigations are being conducted.