Volunteer Fireman Shot And Killed While Stopping To Aid Stranded Motorist On Indiana Highway

A volunteer fireman was killed after stopping to assist a motorist stranded on the side of an Indiana highway.

According to a press from the Indiana State Police, Justin Moore ran out of gas on May 16 and pulled his vehicle to the side of the highway. Reserve Officer Zachary Holly of the Palmyra Police Department stopped to assist 24-year-old Jacob McClanahan, a volunteer firefighter, and a friend also stopped to help. 

During their interaction, Officer Holly asked Moore, 31, if any weapons were in the car. Moore advised the officer there were no weapons but was found to have a small knife on him. The officer asked Moore to put it back in the car, and when he went to put it back in the vehicle, he turned around with a shotgun. He fired at Officer Holly, who returned fire.

Moore fired off a second shot, which fatally struck McClanahan. Officer Holly continued to fire at Moore until he was also fatally shot. The police officer was taken to Harrison County Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

“Investigators have not been able to determine why Justin Moore, who is from Owensboro, Kentucky, was traveling in Indiana,” the release said. 

McLanahan served as a volunteer firefighter with the Ramsey Fire Department and worked for the Harrison County Highway Department. 

A GoFundMe was set up on behalf of the family. As of Sunday, the online fundraiser had received more than $22,000 in donations, more than double its original goal.

“Our hearts ache today over the senseless and tragic loss of such a young caring person who was only trying to help,” the GoFundMe says. “Jacob was an amazing young man that would do anything for anyone and was a great asset to our community.”

According to the news release, the investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing.