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Gawon Kaerey Benson

Gender : Male

Age : 31

Race : Black

Date : 07/30/2024

Location : Intersection of East Campus Drive and Kettler Circle, Purdue University Fort Wayne Campus

City : Fort Wayne

County : Allen

State : Indiana

Agency : Fort Wayne Police Department

Officer(s) :Officer Jason Fuhrman

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during apprehension for community corrections violation

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On July 30, 2024, Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) officers were requested by DeKalb County Community Corrections to locate 31-year-old Gawon Kaerey Benson after he failed to return to custody following a community release. Officers located Benson on the Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) campus. Body camera footage shows officers repeatedly instructing Benson to drop an object in his hand, later identified as a firearm. Benson reportedly manipulated the slide of the handgun. Officer Jason Fuhrman then fired his weapon, fatally wounding Benson.
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While officers suggested the incident might constitute "suicide by cop," the basis for this claim stems from a note reportedly found in Benson’s pocket. Benson's family disputes this claim, arguing there is no conclusive evidence from the released body camera footage.
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Benson’s family also asserts that he had no history of violence and that his initial incarceration was due solely to unpaid traffic violations. They have questioned the necessity of lethal force and criticized the limited and heavily edited body camera footage released by FWPD, stating that it fails to provide sufficient context.
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Investigation Status:
As of December 6, 2024, the case remains under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Allen County Prosecutor's Office. Officer Jason Fuhrman has been placed on paid administrative leave, per department policy, pending the investigation’s outcome.
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Officer Jason Fuhrman's Background:
Tenure: Officer Fuhrman has been with the FWPD since 2004.
Commendations: Fuhrman has received five letters of commendation, the most recent in 2023.
Suspensions: Fuhrman has faced three suspensions (2021–2023) related to squad vehicle accidents.
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Prior Lawsuits Alleging Excessive Force:
Soellinger v. Fuhrman (2006): Allegations of excessive force; summary judgment favored the defendants.

Ward v. Tinsley et al. (2011): Allegations of excessive force; evidence was excluded at trial.

Martin v. Wentz et al. (2013): Claims of excessive force during arrest; court allowed claims to proceed.

Mudd v. City of Fort Wayne et al. (2016): Alleged excessive force; summary judgment favored the defendants.
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Current Status:

As of December 6, 2024, Officer Fuhrman remains on administrative leave and has not been cleared in the fatal shooting of Gawon Benson. The investigation is ongoing, with no determinations made regarding his actions.
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Last update: 12/06/2024

SOURCE LINKS :

FWPD releases body cam footage from July 30 shooting on PFW campus
https://www.wboi.org/public-safety/2024-08-22/fwpd-releases-body-cam-footage-from-july-30-shooting
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Soellinger v. Fuhrman
https://casetext.com/case/soellinger-v-fuhrman
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Mudd v. City of Fort Wayne et al.
https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/indiana/inndce/1%3A2016cv00221/86822/54/
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Fort Wayne officer cleared in shooting of 19-year-old during chase
https://www.wane.com/top-stories/fort-wayne-officer-cleared-in-shooting-of-19-year-old-during-chase/
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Police Bodycam Footage: Fatal Shooting of Gawon Benson at Purdue Fort Wayne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S24xn9a2mBw