For Immediate Release

February 17, 2021

Fatal Shooting Investigation

Date:    February 17, 2021     

Time:   7:20 pm                          

Location: 1900 Hobson Road                                                                     

Victim(s):  2 Males (Deceased) 1 Male (Life Threatening Injuries)

Suspect(s): Joseph Bossard, 32 yo male

Charges: Two counts of Murder & One count of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Details:

On February 17, 2021 shortly after 7:20 pm Officers responded to the area of 1900 Hobson in reference to a problem unknown and little information at this point. While Officers were responding to the scene they were advised that a shooting was now being reported in the area as well and that the 2 incidents were related. Officers arrived on scene and located a vehicle that had left the roadway and was stuck in the snow. Officers located a total of 3 victims in and around the vehicle all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medics arrived on scene and pronounced 2 of the victims deceased and the third victim was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Fort Wayne Police Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Technicians were called to the scene. Detectives began to speak with witnesses and Crime Scene began processing the scene for evidence. It is believed that there was some type of altercation at State and Hobson and shots were fired at this location initially and then possibly more as the vehicles left this location.

Due to the location of the scene Hobson Road is closed from State to Lake Ave until the investigation is completed. Detectives are asking that anyone with any information regarding this incident please call the Fort Wayne Police at 427-5650 or Crime Stoppers at 436-7867. The identity of the victims as well as the cause and manner of Death will be released by the Allen County Coroners Office

This incident is being investigated by the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Coroner's Office, and the Allen County Prosecutor's Office.   Assisting in this investigation is Fort Wayne Fire Department, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, Indiana State Police and the Fort Wayne Police Air Support Unit.

UPDATE:

Regarding this earlier shooting investigation, detectives were quickly able to determine that the previously identified suspect was located at a residence in the 2200 block of Laverne Ave in Fort Wayne.

Because of the nature of the incident and the crimes involved, the Emergency Services Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were called to assist. Negotiators tried to contact the suspect for almost two hours with no response. The Emergency Services Team eventually introduced a chemical agent into the home that finally motivated the suspect to surrender peacefully.

The suspect is currently at the police station being questioned.

Officer Mark A. Bieker
Public Information Officer
Fort Wayne Police Department