***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2018

NO CHARGES FILED IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING DEATH OF COREY BAILEY

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

Vicki Elaine Becker, Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney, will not file criminal charges against the two officers involved in the shooting death of Corey Bailey, 30, of Elkhart, on December 28, 2017. The investigation has documented evidence that Officers Daniel Mayer and Jared Davies, of the Elkhart Police Department, responded to an emergency dispatch regarding a local bank robbery. The suspects were pursued in a vehicle to the area of 6th and Wolf, in Elkhart, at which time the vehicle was disabled and the three suspects began to flee on foot down Wolf Avenue. The suspects separated from each other, and one of the suspects slipped and fell to the ground at which time, Officer Mayer was able to utilize his Taser, which appeared to have no effect. The suspect regained his footing and continued fleeing west on Wolf. Mayer and Davies observed that suspect, later identified as Bailey, approach a motorist on Wolf Avenue, open the driver’s door, and point a handgun at that victim, one Ulysses Cockerham, 54, of Elkhart.

Upon seeing the deadly threat to Mr. Cockerham, both Officer Mayer and Officer Davies fired their handguns at Bailey, striking him multiple times and immediately incapacitating him. Bailey’s weapon was secured by Officer Davies as Officer Mayer performed CPR upon Bailey while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel, already in route. Medics continued emergency treatment on Bailey who was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly thereafter.

Mr. Cockerham was treated for minor injuries from glass particles, and released from the hospital.

Both officers are current and proficient in their use of force training and firearms certifications. Both officers were on paid administrative leave until they were cleared again for active duty by the Elkhart Police Department in January, 2018.

While it is terribly unfortunate that Mr. Bailey was killed during this event, his actions in threatening the use of deadly force against an innocent bystander directly resulted in his own death. No member of the Elkhart County community, here for work, or play, should fear for their safety merely driving down the street.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is thankful that the Elkhart Police Department, and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, were prompt and effective in their response to this threat; and, for the timely and professional investigation conducted by the Elkhart County Homicide Unit which has led to closure in this matter.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”