The suspect, who shot a Clay County Sherriff’s Office deputy, has now been apprehended.

What started around 10:00 am Friday as deputies served a felony warrant to Joe Hoffman in a tent near State Road 59 and 1250 South, just south of Clay City, turned into an officer being shot and a near five hour standoff.

The deputy who was shot is a 17-year veteran.  His identity has not yet been released. He sustained non-life threatening injuries to his lower leg. He is currently in an Indianapolis-area hospital, with his wife.  He is expected to make a full recovery.  

During the standoff, the suspect had retreated to his tent. Indiana State Police used flash bangs to entice Hoffman to surrender. They also utilized heat seeking technology in an overhead helicopter to maintain a visual on the armed suspect.

Just before 3:00 pm, Hoffman finally came out with his hands over his head and was taken into custody.