Chesterton police acted in self defense during shooting, prosecutor says

Bob Kasarda

CHESTERTON — Two Chesterton police officers were acting in self defense when they exchanged gunfire in June with a man, who wound up shooting and killing himself during the encounter, Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann announced late Monday morning.

Officers Nolan Mancera and David Virijevich were not only protecting themselves after gunman Joseph Gerber initiated gunfire and struck Mancera, but were also protecting civilians in the area, the prosecutor said.

Germann said investigation by Indiana State Police, which looked into the potential of excessive force by the officers, found Mancera and Virijevich "demonstrated their high level of training, professionalism and courage."

"I consider this investigation and case closed," he said.

The shooting in question occurred d