In the quiet rural town of Dana, Indiana, a tragic encounter unfolded on the morning of April 23, 2025, leaving a community grappling with loss and questions. Michael Landers, a 57-year-old resident, died from injuries sustained during a police standoff at his home on East County Road 700, marking a somber moment for Vermillion County. The incident, which drew a coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies, has prompted a formal investigation by the Indiana State Police (ISP), as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this fatal outcome.
The chain of events began around 6:45 a.m., when a concerned family member arrived at Landers’ residence to check on his well-being. What started as a routine welfare check quickly escalated when Landers reportedly brandished a firearm at the family member, who fled the scene and immediately contacted emergency services. The Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and ISP responded promptly, establishing a perimeter around the residence as Landers emerged, still armed. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Sheriff Mike Holtcamp requested assistance from the Terre Haute Police Department’s Special Response Team, a specialized unit trained to handle high-risk encounters.
As the standoff unfolded, tensions reached a critical point. Authorities state that Landers pointed his firearm at the responding officers, creating an immediate threat. In response, a member of the Terre Haute SWAT Team discharged their weapon, striking Landers. Emergency medical personnel from the Terre Haute Special Response Trauma Team provided immediate aid at the scene, and Landers was rushed to a hospital in Clinton, Indiana. Despite efforts to stabilize him, he was later transferred to a facility in Champaign, Illinois, where he succumbed to his injuries. His family was notified of his passing, and the community now mourns the loss of a man whose life ended under such distressing circumstances.
The officer who fired the shot has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, as the ISP conducts a thorough investigation. Leading the inquiry are Detectives Ryan Winters and Don Curtis from the Putnamville State Police Post, with support from Sergeant Michael Featherling, CSI Sergeant Tim Rader, and CSI Michael Organ. Assisting agencies include the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton City Police Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, and the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation aims to provide a clear account of the incident, with findings to be submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review upon completion.
No other injuries were reported, a small mercy in an otherwise tragic event. The ISP has emphasized that the investigation remains active, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. For residents of Dana, a town unaccustomed to such incidents, the loss of Landers has left a profound impact. Questions linger about what led to the confrontation and whether different choices could have altered the outcome. As the investigation progresses, the community waits for answers, hoping for clarity and closure in the wake of this heartbreaking event.