Police shooting report in hands of prosecutor but toxicology info awaited

An Indiana State Police report detailing the July 1 police-action shooting that claimed the life of a 28-year-old Greencastle man has been turned over to the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office, an ISP spokesman said.

Sgt. Joe Watts, public information officer for the Putnamville Post, told the Banner Graphic Friday afternoon that the preliminary report on the fatal shooting of Charles Aaron Brousard was turned over to Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter and his staff earlier Friday.

"We're still awaiting toxicology results," Watts said, "but our report's been turned into the Prosecutor's Office."

A final report will be submitted at the conclusion of toxicology reports, which could still take as many as four or five weeks for the lab to complete.

"The Putnam County prosecutor, and only he, will make the final ruling in the investigation," Greencastle City Police Chief Tom Sutherlin advised at the July City Council meeting.

Brousard was fatally wounded during an early morning physical altercation with a Greencastle police officer who had responded to 511 Sycamore St. on a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance between a man and a woman.

That incident reportedly spilled over to nearby Maple Berry Park where Brousard was fatally wounded by the police officer whose name has yet to be made public.

What happened before, during and after that altercation just after midnight on July 1 has been the subject of the ongoing State Police investigation.

Sgt. Watts earlier said the probe has included interviews with a large number of witnesses.

"We want to make sure we have no stone unturned," he said, adding his appreciation at how patient the community has been in waiting for the results.