When ISP and the Posey County Sheriff’s Department released names and additional information about the shooting of a Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy on Saturday night in New Harmony, the sheriff confirmed the suspect is a former reserve deputy and former town marshal. The wounded deputy received a single gunshot wound to the head and is fighting for his life.

The incident is under investigation by the Indiana State Police, assisted by several other law enforcement agencies.

The incident occurred Saturday evening, September 18 at approximately 6:46 p.m. when Posey County 911 Dispatch received a call requesting a welfare check at 612 Short Street in New Harmony.

Officers arrived at the Short Street residence within 10 minutes. While Posey County Sheriff’s Deputies and the New Harmony Town Marshal were still outside the residence, the male homeowner started firing a weapon toward the officers and the officers returned gunfire.

During the exchange of gunfire, Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Hicks, 41, was shot and critically injured. Hicks sustained a single gunshot wound to the head and was transported to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville where he underwent emergency surgery. As of late Sunday, Hicks was being treated in the ICU at Deaconess Midtown where he was in critical but stable condition. Prior to joining the Posey County Sheriff’s Department, Hicks served with the Knox County Sheriff’s Department.

The male inside the residence was also shot and also transported to Deaconess Midtown for medical treatment. According to the ISP, the suspect received multiple gunshot wounds. No other information was released regarding his status or condition.

During a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff Tom Latham identified the shooter as Paul Wiltshire, 70, New Harmony. Sheriff Latham confirmed Wiltshire had formerly served as a reserve deputy for the Posey County Sheriff’s Department but Sheriff Latham said that had been at least 16 years ago. Sheriff Latham also confirmed Wiltshire had formerly served as the New Harmony Town Marshal but said Wiltshire left that position in 2010 or 2011.

During his press briefing, Sheriff Latham said the incident had sent shock waves through the sheriff’s department and the entire community. He said this is the first officer-involved shooting in Posey County since 1994.

The incident occurred during New Harmony’s Kunstfest weekend, an annual German festival that brings a lot of visitors into town each year.

Sheriff Latham expressed appreciation for the many officers and first responders who assisted, including the Posey County EMS and Ambulance Service, the New Harmony Fire Department, the Mt. Vernon Police Department, New Harmony Police Department, Indiana State Police, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department, Evansville Police Department and the FBI. He also thanked other law enforcement agencies from across southern Indiana and several other states for their offers of assistance.

No criminal charges have been filed as of mid-day Monday.

ISP Sgt. Todd Ringle from the Evansville Post said this is an ongoing investigation.