An Indiana firefighter was gunned down without provocation on Monday after he stopped to help a motorist who was stranded on a Harrison County road, officials said.
Justin Moore, 31, was traveling in Indiana when his vehicle ran out of gas around 9:30 p.m. He called 911 and a Harrison County police officer, Zachary Holly, was dispatched to the scene to offer assistance. Shortly after the officer’s arrival, Jacob McClanahan, a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter and Harrison County Highway Department employee, pulled over to offer his assistance, according to Indiana State Police.
Moore was asked by the police officer if there were any weapons in his vehicle, and Moore said no, according to police. Moore was then asked by the officer to place a small knife he was carrying inside his vehicle.
That was when Moore retrieved a shotgun from the car and fired at the police officer, who also returned fire. McClanahan was fatally struck by a shotgun round from Moore, who was fatally shot by the police officer.
Emergency response teams soon arrived and performed life-saving measures on both McClanahan and Moore, but were unable to save either man. The police officer suffered only minor injuries.
“Nothing makes sense that anyone could be murdered while stopping & rendering aid. Jacob is a true hero that will forever be remembered living the selfless life he did,” the Harrison Township Fire Department wrote on social media.
“A true firefighter that was always there when you needed help. Godspeed Jacob T. McClanahan. Your brothers at Harrison Township will miss you. Gone but never forgotten,” the department added.
Investigators still do not know why Moore was traveling in Indiana or why he decided to open fire on those assisting him.
A GoFundMe to cover McClanahan’s funeral expenses has raised nearly double the $10,000 goal, and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb directed flags in Indiana to be flown at half staff in Harrison County in honor of McClanahan.
