Federal Charges Filed Against Man in Killing of Terre Haute Police Officer

According to court documents, Shane Meehan, 44, drove his pickup truck to the gate of the FBI Resident Agency building. Meehan exited his truck and threw a Molotov Cocktail toward the building. Detective Ferency walked out of the building shortly after Meehan threw the incendiary device and was confronted by Meehan who was holding a firearm. Meehan raised the firearm and shot Detective Ferency. Detective Ferency was able to return fire to defend himself but later died.

Shortly thereafter, an FBI Special Agent ran out of the building and engaged Meehan in a gun battle. Despite being shot twice, Meehan got into his truck and fled the scene. Meehan was located at the Vigo County Regional Hospital where he was treated for his gunshot wounds. A firearm was recovered from Meehan’s pickup truck along with three Molotov Cocktails and additional ammunition.

“An attack on law enforcement is an attack on us all, said Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress. “As citizens of this county, we enjoy on a daily basis the security and protection provided by the men and women of law enforcement. That security and protection is all the more precious because it is at times paid for with the lives of those who have chosen to protect us. 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. On behalf of the Department of Justice I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Detective Ferency’s family and his many colleagues.”

“I want to offer the deepest sympathy of the FBI to the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Ferency. Greg was a valued member of our FBI family and had worked side by side with us as a Task Force Officer since 2010 in our Terre Haute office,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “We will work day and night to carefully examine the circumstances of the shooting and we are dedicated to honoring Greg’s memory through a meticulous investigation.”

Meehan is charged with the murder of a federal agent. If convicted, Meehan faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Oliver and Barry Glickman are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.