Deputy fires weapon at live nativity scene in Fort Wayne

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, an unsettling incident occurred Saturday night during a live nativity scene event at Central Ministries Church. At approximately 9:14 p.m., a New Haven Police officer called for urgent assistance, indicating that a man had pointed a gun at him near the church’s property. Upon responding to the request, deputies from the Allen County Sheriff’s Department arrived and were informed by the New Haven officer that there was a potential threat involved. Authorities later located a suspect on the church grounds, but details regarding the suspect's identity and motivations remain vague. During the investigation, an officer from the Allen County Sheriff’s Department discharged his firearm. The exact circumstances surrounding why the weapon was fired and whether anyone was injured have yet to be clarified. However, it has been reported that two individuals were taken to a hospital with injuries categorized as fair to serious, though police have not disclosed the nature of these injuries or whether they were directly linked to the shooting incident. As a precaution and due to the officer-involved shooting, the Indiana State Police have assumed control of the investigation to ensure impartiality and thoroughness. The church was hosting its popular event, ‘The Living Nativity Drive Thru,’ which attracted a crowd estimated at hundreds of attendees and included live animals. This gathering added to the complexity of the scene, which could have heightened the urgency and challenges faced by law enforcement as they attempted to manage the potentially dangerous situation. The church leadership has expressed their concern regarding the incident, acknowledging the severity of the situation while emphasizing their respect for the law enforcement process. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those involved. As the community grapples with the ramifications of this event, many are left wondering about the safety implications for similar events in the future and the ongoing need for careful assessment of potential threats in public gatherings.