Michigan City police officer who shot, killed suspect during traffic stop placed on paid leave

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WNDU) - The Michigan City police officer who shot and killed an armed suspect during a traffic stop last weekend has been placed on paid administrative leave.

According to the Michigan City Police Department, the officer who fired his weapon during the incident last Friday, April 4, was Sgt. Michael Oberle. He’s a 15-year veteran of the department.

According to police, Sgt. Oberle initiated the traffic stop around 5:30 p.m. on Franklin Street because of an equipment violation.

During that stop, the suspect reportedly ran from the scene. Investigators say Sgt. Oberle chased the suspect and eventually shot him. No other information has been given about why Sgt. Oberle fired his weapon.

The suspect, 21-year-old Jorge Meza of South Bend, was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

Sgt. Oberle was placed on mandatory paid leave, which is typical when an officer-involved shooting is under investigation.

The Indiana State Police is currently handling that investigation.

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