Violent domestic ends in police involved shooting

An Indiana State Trooper and West Baden police officer were both involved in a shooting at a French Lick residence Friday afternoon.

At about 3:50 p.m. Friday, Trooper Michael Allen, a three-year veteran of the department, responded to the report of a man strangling his wife at 8399 West Ohio Street. He was assisted by a West Baden police officer.

When they arrived at the residence, they attempted to speak with Jose Ramon Damiani, Jr., 49, who had fled to a garage behind the residence.

According to authorities, Damiani would not respond to the officers but did pick up a large metal pipe from a scrap pile in the garage and began to approach the officers.

Both officers commanded Damian to drop the pipe, but he would not comply, said police.

The West Baden police officer fired his Taser but the device failed to stop Damiani and he continued to advance towards the officers. Damiani drew up to the West Baden officer and pulled the pipe back to strike the officer in the head. Both officers then fired at Damiani.

Damiani was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.