Investigators have not yet released information as to why the deputy initiated the traffic stop. Police also report their investigation shows that during the traffic stop, the suspect was in possession of a firearm. The incident happened at approximately 4:15 p.m., when the deputy performed the traffic stop on SR 14 east of CR 475 E in Jasper County near the county line (about 2.5 miles west of the West Central Schools).
The Indianapolis Star updated its story on the incident Tuesday afternoon to report Huttle had an “extensive history of driving offenses dating back to at least 2005 with an intoxicated driving-related conviction. The pattern continued through 2019 with his guilty plea of operating a vehicle as a habitual offender, records show.” His most recent case dated to May 2022. Huttle was not permitted to carry a firearm due to his driving-related felony convictions. The Star gleaned its background information from court records.
Huttle traveled to Washington, D.C. in January 2021 with his uncle Dale Huttle where both were later charged for involvement in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot, according to a compilation of news reports. Both men were pardoned by new president Donald Trump last week. The nephew was released in July following a six-month sentence. The uncle was released following his pardon.
Matthew Huttle pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of entering a restricted building during the riot. He entered the Capitol building two separate times. NBC News in Chicago reports that in one of those instances, he “went inside multiple offices, the crypt area and a number of hallways, according to court documents. Huttle also recorded his experience on video.
Dale Huttle, pleaded to more serious charges, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon. He was seen with an upside-down flag pole, appearing to hit an officer, according to news reports.
Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson released a statement Monday stating that for “ full transparency,” he has requested the Indiana State Police to investigate this officer involved shooting. “The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol and is our policy in these situations,” the sheriff added. “Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased as any loss of life is traumatic to those that were close to Mr. Huttle. I will release the officer's name once I have approval from the state police detectives."
Family has been notified and an autopsy was completed Monday morning.
The state police are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office and the Jasper County Coroner. This investigation is ongoing.
