On the evening of January 11, 2026, a shooting in South Bend, Indiana, claimed the life of 21-year-old Jacob Patchen. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. near the intersection of Angela Boulevard and Michigan Street. Patchen was driving his vehicle eastbound on Angela Boulevard when he was struck by gunfire from outside the car.
A juvenile relative was also present in the vehicle with Patchen at the time of the shooting but was fortunately unharmed.
First responders found Patchen in his car and transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries.
The South Bend Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit is leading the homicide investigation. Authorities have indicated they are exploring several possible motives and are actively pursuing multiple leads. As of now, no arrests have been made, and no specific suspects have been publicly identified. Investigators have appealed to the public for any information, noting that other vehicles were in the area at the time of the shooting and that witnesses may have valuable information. An autopsy for Jacob Patchen was scheduled to be conducted.
