FBI Task Force officer and 30-year-veteran of the Terre Haute Police Department Greg Ferency was recently shot and killed in an ambush outside an FBI building in Indiana.
The suspect, 44-year-old Shane Meehan, has been arrested and charged with the murder of a federal officer. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
Ferency is survived by his two children.
According to the criminal complaint, Meehan allegedly drove his truck up to the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency and threw a Molotov cocktail at the building.
Ferency walked out and confronted Meehan who shot him. He returned fire to defend himself but died from his wounds.
Meehan was shot twice in the encounter but managed to get into his truck and flee the scene. He was later located at a hospital where he was being treated for his wounds.
Officials found three Molotov cocktails and additional ammunition in Meehan’s pickup truck.
Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress said in a statement, “An attack on law enforcement is an attack on us all. The selfless dedication exhibited by Detective Ferency throughout his career and his tragic death yesterday is yet another example of why we all owe our respect and gratitude to the members of law enforcement.”
The FBI said they are investigating the incident and executed search warrants at Meehan’s home, but so far have not released a motive for the attack.
Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan said, “We’re used to taking those types of risks as law enforcement officers, all of us are. When we’re conducting arrests, doing searches, etc., but to have somebody come, as you say, to our front door and commit this kind of act is a step beyond and affects us all immensely. It’s a small office, a tight-knit group of people, so it’s definitely a difficult situation.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement on Twitter that read: “The tragic events that unfolded today are senseless. Our heart breaks for Detective Greg Ferency’s family, loved ones and those who served with him every day protecting the residents of the Wabash Valley. [My wife] and I are thinking of the Terre Haute Police Department, the community and Detective Ferency’s family as I know they will be steadfast in honoring his life, service and dedication to the residents of Vigo County.”
Indiana Sen. Mike Braun also tweeted about the tragic event to honor the fallen officer.
“Terre Haute PD Officer Greg Ferency was killed today in the line of duty doing what he has done for 30 years: selflessly protecting and serving his community. Please keep his family and fellow officers in your prayers, and all those who wear the badge,” said Braun.
