UPDATE (July 23, 2025):
The Allen County Coroner identified the man shot by Fort Wayne police on Monday. The FPWD said that the man, now identified as 51-year-old Christopher Stutler, pointed a gun before at least one officer opened fire on Monday at West State and Cass
Indiana State Police are investigating.
The Allen County Coroner released the following:
On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Allen County Coroner’s Office was notified of a police-action shooting, in the 200 block of West State Boulevard, Fort Wayne. Three Rivers Ambulance Authority responded, provided lifesaving care, and transported to a local hospital, where death was pronounced shortly after arrival.
The individual has been identified as Christopher James Stutler, male, White, 51 years of age. The autopsy has been completed and the next of kin has been notified.
The Cause of Death is Multiple Gunshot Wounds and the Manner of Death is Homicide-Police Action Shooting. Christopher James Stutle is the 23rd Homicide for Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana in 2025. This incident remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Allen County Coroner’s Office.
ORIGINAL STORY:
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) says one of its officers shot and killed a man after he allegedly pointed a gun at them Monday afternoon. Officers were called to the intersection of West State Boulevard and Cass Street, close to Wells, around 1 p.m. for an armed man who was reportedly making suicidal threats.
The FWPD says he pointed the gun at police around 1:15 p.m. and was shot by at least one officer.
Those involved are now on leave per FWPD protocol as an investigation is underway. It is being conducted by the Indiana State Police.
On Monday afternoon, the Fort Wayne Police Department released the following:
The Fort Wayne Police Department began investigating an adult male who had made concerning statements in the late morning hours to early afternoon hours of July 21, 2025. During the investigation, the male indicated he was armed with a firearm. Officers determined the male had also made suicidal comments.
Officers encountered the male in the area of State Blvd & Cass St at approximately 1:15pm on July 21, 2025. The male brandished a firearm in the presence of officers. An officer or officers discharged their weapons wounding the male. Officers provided medical aid until Fort Wayne Fire Department and TRAA Medics arrived to provide a higher level of care. The male was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives are speaking to witnesses, attempting to locate surveillance videos, and will review body camera and car camera videos during the investigation. The officer or officers directly involved and those officers who were direct witnesses to the officer involved shooting will be placed on administrative leave, as is standard protocol and policy. This incident remains under investigation by the FWPD Internal Affairs Division, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, FWPD Homicide Unit, and the Indiana State Police will conduct an independent investigation.
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