Prosecutor's office determines police officer justified in use of force

“The video evidence clearly establishes that officer Woollweever reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death to himself, his colleagues, and the citizens of this community,” Blythe stated in the news release.

According to the news release, in the early evening hours of June 1, Woollweever responded to a home on 11th Street in Auburn, based upon a 911 call that reported the suspect, Kyle Leins, pointed a firearm while threatening individuals in their home.

Woollweever was engaged with the victims while members of the Auburn Police Department and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office searched for Leins. During Woollweever's discussion with the victims, Leins returned to the scene, walking toward the victim’s home, Blythe said in the news release.

Wooollweever noticed Leins walking toward the victims and instructed him to stop.

“In response to the officer’s directives, Mr. Leins drew a handgun and proceeded to fire four rounds in the direction of Officer Woollweever and into the residence of the individuals he had previously threatened. Mr. Leins attempted to flee while still armed, and fired two additional rounds at another responding Auburn Police officer as Mr. Leins continued to run away in a residential area,” the news release continued.

“Approximately one second after Mr. Leins fired as his fellow officer, Officer Woollweever discharged a single round from his duty weapon, which struck Mr. Leins and ended the threat Mr. Leins presented to Officer Woollweever, his colleagues, and the citizens of DeKalb County. Mr. Leins was quickly taken into police custody, and provided with prompt medical attention. Three firearms and multiple magazines of ammunition were found on or near Mr. Leins’ person. Members of the Auburn Police Department followed standard departmental policies and cooperated fully with independent investigation conducted by detectives from the Indiana State Police,” the news release said.

Blythe said the prosecutor's office wishes to extend its gratitude to the Indiana State Police, Auburn Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Garrett Police Department, Avilla Police Department, Auburn Fire Department and Parkview EMS.

“Members of these organizations exhibited outstanding professionalism and proficiency in the midst of one of the most difficult situations imaginable, and their actions on this and all other days are commendable,” Blythe said in the news release.

Leins, 44, of Auburn, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, Level 1 felonies; burglary, a Level 2 felony; criminal recklessness, a Level 5 felony; intimidation, a Level 5 felony; three counts of unlawful carrying of a handgun, Level 5 felonies; and resisting law enforcement, a Level 6 felony.

“A charge is merely a formal accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent up to, and until proven guilty,” the news release concludes.