Indiana State Police have turned over their investigation into the deadly officer-involved shooting of 25-year-old Hannah Aberegg to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, officials confirmed Friday. Aberegg was found by officers during a welfare check near Portage Avenue and Cleveland Road and was taken to a hospital, where she later died. With the handoff, prosecutors now control the active investigative file and will decide if any criminal charges are warranted.
What Investigators Say
Indiana State Police say they have wrapped up their review and forwarded the case to local prosecutors, according to WSBT. Early reviews of surveillance and body-worn camera footage indicate Aberegg produced a handgun before an officer fired, per a press release republished by WBIW.
From Welfare Check To Gunfire
Police were dispatched shortly before 3:15 p.m. on May 6 after Aberegg’s mother requested a welfare check. Officers located Aberegg at the Phillips 66 in the 3300 block of Portage Avenue just before 3:30 p.m., and about two minutes later dispatchers received a report of shots fired, as reported by WNDU. Multiple agencies responded, including South Bend Police, St. Joseph County police and Mishawaka officers, and officers provided aid until medics transported Aberegg to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Family Grieves And Demands Change
Family and friends held a celebration of life and used the gathering to call for changes to how mental health crises are handled, telling WSBT they want more training for officers and better coordination with health providers. "She loved like no tomorrow," her father said, adding that the family is still waiting for answers as Indiana State Police complete their review.
What Comes Next In The Case
With the investigative file now on the desk of the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, that office will determine whether to file charges or send the case back for additional investigative work, as noted by ABC57. Officials have not given a timeline for any decisions, and the prosecutor’s office will issue updates once its review is complete, according to reporting from WBIW.
