Indiana officers kill suspect believed linked to man's death

RUSHVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Two police officers fatally shot a suspect early Tuesday outside an eastern Indiana convenience store while investigating an incident in which a man was shot dead at his front door, authorities said.

Indiana State Police said a man, Wade Flowers, 65, was awakened about 11:30 p.m. Monday by a knock on the front door to his home in the Henry County town of Kennard. When Flowers opened the door, he was fatally shot by a male who then fled the scene.

After investigators developed a suspect in the shooting, Rushville police officers spotted a vehicle early Tuesday matching that of the suspect. They followed it from northern Rush County to a convenience store in Rushville, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Kennard, police said.

The driver entered the store and when he exited it two Rushville officers yelled commands at him, police said.

The suspect did not comply, reached for a holster, drew a handgun and pointed it at the officers, who fired their weapons, striking the suspect, police said.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Benjamin Petry, 34 of North Vernon. He and Flowers were acquaintances, investigators said.

A motive for Flowers' shooting hasn't been released.

Both Rushville officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, a routine step following police-involved shootings.