Intruder Shot and Killed by Fort Wayne Police Officer During Wells Street Burglary

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A burglary suspect was fatally shot by a Fort Wayne Police Department officer early Friday morning, September 6, 2024, at a residence on the city's north side.

According to police reports, dispatch received a call at approximately 3:45 a.m. reporting a burglary in progress in the 1500 block of Wells Street. Officers arrived on the scene and entered the home, where they immediately encountered an adult male intruder inside the residence.

During the subsequent confrontation, responding Officer Julian Mestre discharged his weapon, striking the intruder. Medics were called to the scene but pronounced the suspect dead shortly after arrival. The Allen County Coroner's Office later identified the deceased as 58-year-old John Edward McCloud of Fort Wayne. The cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

State Police Leading Investigation

In accordance with department policy for officer-involved shootings, the Indiana State Police have assumed the lead role in the investigation, working in conjunction with the Allen County Prosecutor's Office and the coroner.

No residents inside the home or responding police officers were injured during the incident. Officer Mestre, a veteran of the department, has been placed on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information or video footage of the surrounding area from early Friday morning to contact the Fort Wayne Police Department or Crime Stoppers.