***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 07, 2025

JANUARY 27, 2025 OFFICER-INVOLVED FATAL SHOOTING WAS JUSTIFIED

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

After reviewing investigative materials surrounding the officer-involved fatal shooting of Juan M. Sanchez outside of Martin’s Super Market on January 27, 2025, it is clear that the use of deadly force by both Cpl. Vandenburg and Patrolman Pasternak was justified. Accordingly, no criminal charges will be filed arising from this matter.

Patrolman Pasternak, Elkhart Police Department, was first to arrive on scene less than two (2) minutes after the shooting occurred inside the store. Upon arrival, he was directed southward from the Martin’s main entrance. Patrolman Pasternak proceeded around the east perimeter of the apartment building as he ran south and observed two adult males on the sidewalk area between the parking lot and the building. While Patrolman Pasternak was assessing the threat level of each of those males, one, later identified as Juan M. Sanchez, 54, pulled a handgun out of his coat pocket and fired at Patrolman Pasternak, at which time Pasternak returned fire. Patrolman Pasternak was hit by the shot from Sanchez, which went through his elbow area, exited, then went into his chest/torso area. Although partially incapacitated from the gunshot injury, Patrolman Pasternak continued to fire at Sanchez, who had turned and fired at Corporal Vandenburg, until the threat from Sanchez was neutralized.

Corporal Vandenburg had arrived and followed the same path as Patrolman Pasternak a few seconds later and was at the southeast corner of the apartment building, trying to direct two bystanders away from the area that appeared to be trying to video record the event with a cell phone. Corporal Vandenburg observed Sanchez turn toward him and begin firing and returned fire. Corporal Vandenburg was struck by Sanchez’s gunfire in the elbow area.

Without the heroic and immediate actions of both Patrolman Ethan Pasternak and Corporal Paul Vandenburg, I believe that additional acts of violence would have been committed by Sanchez.

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