In the summer of 2015, the life of 46-year-old Anthony Wayne Hodge came to a tragic end in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On the evening of June 13, police were called to Hodge's home on St. Mary's Avenue regarding a disturbance. By the time officers arrived, they learned that Hodge had moved to another nearby residence.
When two officers, Nicholas Lichtsinn and Ryan Nysteun, went to the second location, Hodge himself answered the door. He was holding a handgun.
According to reports from the Fort Wayne Police Department, officers repeatedly instructed Hodge to drop his weapon. A neighbor later recounted hearing the police give this command at least three times. When Hodge did not comply, Officer Lichtsinn fired his weapon, striking him in the stomach. Medics were called to the scene, but Hodge was pronounced dead. His death was ruled the 13th homicide in Allen County for that year.
Following the incident, the Indiana State Police conducted an investigation into the shooting. After reviewing the findings, the Allen County Prosecutor's Office determined that Officer Lichtsinn had acted in self-defense. As a result of this ruling, no charges were filed against the officer in connection with Anthony Hodge's death.
