Death by Cop 2026
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Erik Anderson
Age : 47
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 05/18/2026
Location : 1800 block of Howell Street
City : Fort Wayne
County : Allen
State : Indiana
Agency : Fort Wayne Police Department
Officer(s) :Sgt. Michael Bell; Sgt. Arrand Johnston; Sgt. Cameron Norris; Joshua Alexander; James Arnold; Wyatt Short
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 05/18/2026, Fort Wayne Police Department officers responded to the 1800 block of Howell Street after receiving reports of a man experiencing a mental health crisis. During a 911 call before officers arrived, 47-year-old Erik Anderson told dispatchers he wanted to go to the Strait of Hormuz and kill Arabs. He called 911 again and said he wanted to die by "suicide by cop." Officers encountered Anderson outside the residence. Police said Anderson pointed what appeared to be a handgun at them, and multiple officers fired. Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later determined the weapon was a BB gun. The Allen County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the Indiana State Police and Fort Wayne Police Department investigations to determine whether the officers' use of deadly force was legally justified.