PERU — A Fort Wayne man shot by police earlier this month after they say he pointed a gun at officers is now facing charges related to the incident.
Marco A. Anguiano was arrested Jan. 7 on charges of armed robbery, a level 3 felony; unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony; theft, a level 5 felony; two charges of intimidation with a deadly weapon, both level 5 felonies; pointing a loaded firearm, a level 6 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony; and obstruction of justice, a level 6 felony; according to court documents.
It was around 8:30 a.m. Jan. 7 when police received a 911 call saying an individual had been allegedly robbed at knife point by two other individuals inside a trailer at a mobile home community in Peru, per court documents.
When authorities reportedly went to that address, court documents indicate they saw Anguiano walking from that trailer toward a blue pickup truck parked outside.
Police say Anguiano was wearing a winter coat at the time and had his hands inside the pockets.
Officers reportedly instructed Anguiano to remove his hands, and that’s when they say he walked back toward the trailer, court documents allege.
“He was picking up his speed as it appeared he was trying to get away from the officers,” according to police testimony as highlighted in court documents.
Court documents indicate that during this time, one of the officers observed Anguiano remove a firearm from his waistband and point it at law enforcement, prompting police to shoot Anguiano out of fear for their “safety and wellbeing.”
Anguiano was reportedly struck by one of those bullets, and investigators say he retreated to a covered porch area of the trailer, where he allegedly dropped the firearm and consumed what police believe to be methamphetamine.
Anguiano was taken into custody a short time later and medically treated at the scene before being transported to a Fort Wayne hospital.
During a subsequent warranted search of the trailer after Anguiano’s arrest, investigators located a Glock 36 .45 caliber on the front porch near the location where Anguiano was apprehended, per court documents.
Officers later learned the firearm had been reported stolen from the Fort Wayne area.
Further investigation into the incident also led police to a witness, who stated he was inside the trailer earlier that day and confirmed Anguiano was the one who allegedly robbed someone at knife point inside the residence.
Anguiano was also interviewed as part of the investigation, and court documents indicate he admitted to possessing the firearm found on the front porch.
As per procedure for officer-involved shootings, investigators with the Indiana State Police also reviewed the case, including body cam footage.
According to that investigation, ISP noted the situation appeared to happen the way officers on scene described, with police telling Anguiano to “show me your hands.”
A few moments later, officers are reportedly heard saying “gun, gun, gun” before firing at Anguiano, with the officer who eventually struck and injured Anguiano firing five rounds.
Anguiano is being held at the Miami County Jail.
After his initial hearing, in which he pled not guilty, Anguiano’s pre-trial conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 13 via Zoom.