Investigation continues after Posey Co. Deputy shot in line of duty

POSEY CO., Ind. (WFIE) - Police are working to find out what happened Saturday night when a requested welfare check escalated into gunfire, and put one deputy in the hospital.

Four deputies and a town marshal responded to a house on Short Street in New Harmony. The man in the house, Paul Wiltshire, opened fire at law enforcement officers.

They say one of the deputies, Bryan Hicks, was shot in the head during the struggle, and Wiltshire was hit multiple times.

Both men are in the hospital.

Authorities did not have any updates on the investigation or the two men’s conditions Monday.

A look at the house shows several bullet holes. Our photographer counted at least 30.

Neighbors say they thought the gunfight sounded like something out of a movie.

Neighbor, Danny Baize said, ”Wyatt Earp at the OK Corral, it was, it was a lot of shots.”

Neighbors are taking it hard, as they say Hicks was a beloved figure in town.

Baize said, ”Brian Hicks, let me tell you what, he is a super guy. I know him, I don’t know him personally, but every time I’ve had contact with him, just talking, he is a great guy and he’s well-loved by the community.“

”It’s a scary situation,” said Brad Hampton, who recently moved in next door, “Because you never really know what’s going through people’s heads and anything else.”

Despite the worries the event brought to the area, many remain confident in the goodness of their town.

”I think we’re all in all in a safe neighborhood and everything,” said Hampton, “but hopefully this will be an isolated incident and it won’t happen again.”

The Fraternal Order of Police in Posey County is collecting donations for Deputy Hicks.

Those donations are being accepted through Venmo - to the @POCOFOP account - or to any Evansville Teachers Credit Union in Posey County.

You can also send your donations by mail to their P.O. box.

The FOP says 100% of the funds collected will be given to Hicks’ family.

You can find more information in the post below.

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