Detectives with the Indiana State Police Bloomington District are conducting a death investigation related to a Wednesday evening shooting that occurred at a residence located in the area of US 231 and North Cataract Road in Owen County.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that homeowners called 911 about an active home invasion just before 8:15 p.m., on Wednesday. Before police arrived, the homeowners allegedly confronted two suspects and an exchange of gunfire between the two parties occurred.

Arriving officers from the Owen County Sheriff’s Department reported having found Gilardo Garcia Salinas, 39, the homeowner, injured outside of the residence with suspects having fled the area before deputies’ arrival. First aid was provided to Salinas, but the efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Owen County Coroner’s Office.

The family of Gilardo Garcia Salinas has been notified and an autopsy has been scheduled for Friday in Terre Haute. 

There are believed to be two suspects who left in an unknown direction in a gray or blue passenger vehicle. The make and model of the vehicle are unknown. It is also unknown if any suspects were injured, investigators have begun to obtain video footage of nearby locations along with following up with additional leads.

It is not believed that the public is in danger and investigators are looking for any information that the public may have. The public may call the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post with any leads at 812-332-4411 and ask for Detective Ian Matthews.

This remains an active ISP investigation. 

The Indiana State Police detectives were assisted by the Owen County Sheriff’s Department, the Owen County Coroner’s Office, Owen County EMS, and the Cloverdale Fire Department.