In the early morning hours of a Sunday in Angola, Indiana, a grim discovery shattered the quiet of the small town. Outside a residence on North Elizabeth Street, the bodies of two young men were found, both victims of fatal gunshot wounds. One of the men was identified as 23-year-old Francisco Javier Velazquez Martinez. The other was 21-year-old Fernando Reyes Fernandez, also of Angola.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led police to a suspect, 19-year-old Bryar Wolfe of
Fremont. A few hours after the discovery of Martinez and Fernandez, officers encountered Wolfe on South Elizabeth Street. When confronted, Wolfe displayed a handgun, leading to an exchange of gunfire with the police.
Wolfe then fled on foot, and a chase ensued. Near the intersection of West Felicity Street and South Wayne Street, another shootout occurred between Wolfe and the pursuing officers. During this final exchange, Wolfe was struck by at least one bullet. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Steuben County Coroner's Office confirmed the identities of the three deceased individuals. The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave or assigned to administrative duties pending an investigation by the Indiana State Police, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. The findings of the investigation were to be turned over to the Steuben County Prosecutor for review.
