For Immediate Release

Purdue Fort Wayne Officer Involved Shooting Critical Incident Brief

Date:  July 30, 2024

Location: Purdue Fort Wayne Campus

Time: 7:17 am

Details/Summary:

The Benson family has viewed all FWPD body cam and dash cam video associated with this incident.  The PFW officers involved in this incident to not currently have body cameras.  This information was passed along to the family and their supporters at the time the formal request was made to view the body camera footage. 

Dekalb County Community Corrections called the FWPD on July 30, 2024 to assist in locating Gawon Benson, who did not return to their custody.  Information was obtained that Gawon was possibly armed with a gun.  Dekalb Community Corrections requested PFW officers check the campus for the suspect.  The suspect was located by PFW and FWPD officers.  The suspect failed to comply with verbal commands given by the officers, was armed, and was subsequently shot.  Officers rendered aid until relieved by medics.  Medics continued providing care until the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

The Critical Incident Brief can be watched in it’s entirety on The Fort Wayne Police Department YouTube page.

Watch Critical Incident Video here:     https://youtu.be/Vp2jiuXPyik

Captain Jeremy Webb
Public Information Officer
Fort Wayne Police Department