An Orange County deputy sheriff remains in critical condition after being shot January 3rd.
Deputy Zac Andry stopped near US Highway 150 and State Road 56 to assist a vehicle that appeared to be disabled. The driver, Austin Schepers, shot Andry four times, including once in the head, before fleeing the scene.
A manhunt ended on the evening of January 4th when Schepers was located in Louisville. He was shot and killed during a confrontation with law enforcement.
Indiana State Police now say that New Albany woman has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Through their investigation, State Police Detectives Clay Boley and Steven Peyton believe 35-year-old Victoria Howard of New Albany knew that Schepers had allegedly shot a police officer and that he was wanted by law enforcement. Howard allegedly used the ride-sharing app Lyft to provide Schepers a ride from her apartment in New Albany to Craig Street in Louisville, one block west of Wheeler Avenue. Schepers was ultimately at a residence in the 3700 block of Wheeler Avenue.
Investigators believe additional charges will be forthcoming against additional individuals responsible for assisting Schepers while he was wanted by police. The Indiana State Police insists that those responsible for assisting criminals within their efforts to elude capture by law enforcement will be investigated and charged for their actions.
Meanwhile, Andry is being treated at the University of Louisville Hospital. He is under sedation, on a ventilator, and listed in critical but stable condition. Doctors report progress but say medical challenges remain.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Andry’s family have thanked the community for its support. Donations to assist the family can be made at Springs Valley Bank and Trust in French Lick or through the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation.