Deputy ruled justified for shooting, killing northwest Indiana man recently pardoned for Jan. 6 Capitol riot
JASPER COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - Prosecutors have determined that a Jasper County deputy was legally justified for shooting and killing a Hobart man who had recently been pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol building during a traffic stop last month.
Police say 42-year-old Matthew Huttle was pulled over back on Sunday, Jan. 26, on State Road 14 just east of County Road 475 East for speeding. During the traffic stop it was learned that Huttle was a habitual traffic violator.
When the deputy informed him of his arrest, Huttle reportedly retreated to the drivers seat of his vehicle and appeared to reach for a weapon.
Police say the deputy attempted to apprehend Huttle, but a struggle ensued and the deputy reportedly saw Huttle raising a firearm while saying “I’m shooting myself.”
Believing that Huttle posed a deadly threat, prosecutors say the deputy fired multiple shots at Huttle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators at the scene reportedly found a loaded 9mm handgun and additional ammunition inside Huttle’s vehicle. Dash camera video also confirmed Huttle raised an object while inside the vehicle.
Based on the evidence, prosecutors say the deputy was legally justified in using deadly force to defend himself because Huttle posed as an imminent threat to their safety.
According to the Northwest Indiana Times, Huttle was charged with videotaping his entry into the Capitol’s Senate Wing on Jan. 6, 2021, and walking through multiple locations inside. Photos reportedly showed security footage of Huttle on the first floor of the Capitol and screenshots of his own footage taken while inside.
He was sentenced to six months in federal prison to be followed by a year of supervised release. He was reportedly released from prison back on July 17 and was pardoned by the president the week before he was shot and killed.
Huttle was reportedly with his uncle, Dale Huttle of Crown Point, during the Capitol breach.
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