State Watch

Buttigieg open to call for independent prosecutor to investigate South Bend shooting

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigeg (D) is open to a call from area activists and faith groups for an independent prosecutor to investigate the recent fatal shooting of a black man by a South Bend police officer, the South Bend Tribune reported Wednesday.

The 2020 White House hopeful has been taking time off of his presidential campaign to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

{mosads}South Bend police responded to a call Sunday morning that a suspicious person was going through cars at an apartment complex.

The suspect, Eric Jack Logan, 53, reportedly approached an officer with a knife, and the officer shot him.

South Bend police officer Ryan O’Neill reportedly did not have his body camera on.

The incident is under investigation by the St. Joseph prosecutor’s office.

The St. Joseph County chapter of Faith in Indiana, composed of religious leaders and community activists across the state, said it wants an independent prosecutor to help “press for answers and for change,” according to the Tribune.

South Bend Councilman Oliver Davis (D) also called for an outside investigator, per the Tribune.

“It would be a benefit because it would help verify or shed light on what’s going on,” Davis said, adding that he thinks it would be worth the money even if the city had to pay for an investigation. “Justice does cost, but not having justice costs even more.”