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South Bend man arrested in connection to shooting incident with Indiana State Excise Police Officer

Justin Hicks
/
IPB News

A 20‑year‑old South Bend man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident involving an Indiana State Excise Officer.

Officials with the Indiana State Police, who conducted the investigation, arrested Ian Steven McDonald Austin of South Bend for attempted murder Tuesday evening. He’s being held at the St. Joseph County Jail.

The arrest is related to an incident last week where An Indiana State Excise Officer was working a special detail around St. Joseph County convenience stores.

The officer began following a vehicle at around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, when the driver of the vehicle stopped on Rockne Drive near Jacob Street, got out of his car, and fired multiple shots at the excise officer’s vehicle. The officer returned fire and the man fled the scene.

Contact Kent at kfulmer@wvpe.org

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Kent Fulmer joined WVPE in August of 2020 to take on one of the station's most high profile roles as the local host of Morning Edition. Kent comes to WVPE with more than 20 years experience in radio in the Michiana area. During his career, Kent has had a variety of roles including DJ, reporter and newscaster, as well as several behind-the-scenes positions. Kent and his wife, Donna, are celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary in 2020 and have lived in Elkhart County for almost 20 years. They have two adult daughters, Sarah and Rebecca. When not working, Kent is active as a musician, playing trumpet and flugelhorn. He has performed with a number of area bands. Currently he performs with the Phat Tuesday Dixieland Band and Jazz Assemblage, as well as his church's praise band. As a member of Jazz Assemblage, Kent has appeared at the Elkhart Jazz Festival several times. He also volunteers with Bugles Across America.