Marshall County Prosecutor E. Nelson Chipman, Jr. released today his formal decision on the results of the Indiana State Police investigation into the police action shooting that occurred in northern Marshall County on December 24, 2023, and resulted in the death of Johnny Lee Jason Wood, 54, with the most recent know address of Elkhart.
Officers involved with the shooting are Stg. Joseph Querciagrossa of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department and Officer Anthony M. Stachowiak of the Mishawaka Police Department.
Chip man determined “the use of a firearm by each officer was justified, and the discharge of both firearms was proper and in accordance with state law. Consequently, no criminal charges will be filed” against either officer.
This event started shortly after 5 a.m. when police responded to a shots-fired call in the 200 block of South Dixie Way in Roseland. A St. Joseph County Deputy spotted the suspect vehicle, a 2004 Lincoln SUV, minutes later, and at attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle fled leading responding officers in a pursuit. The pursuit eventually headed south on Capital Avenue / Elm Road. Officers with the Mishawaka Police Department joined in the pursuit.
The driver of the Lincoln drove into a field approximately ½ mile south of the intersection of Elm Road and Tyler Road, in Marshall County where the driver then fled on foot. Officers located the suspect and shots were fired by a St. Joseph County Deputy and an Officer with the Mishawaka Police Department. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
