Police: Man killed intruder

Police say a Salem man killed one of two intruders at his home Tuesday.

Officers continue to search for the second man who attempted to rob the Salem resident at his home near town.

Preliminary investigation by state police detectives from the Sellersburg Post determined there was a home invasion and attempted robbery at a private residence at 2785 Old State Road 56 around 9:10 p.m.

Sgt. Jerry Goodin of the state police said Ronald L. Chastain, 36, of Beck’s Mill Road, Salem, was killed Tuesday night.

“The homeowner was allegedly attacked by two male suspects after he answered the door of his home,” Goodin said Wednesday afternoon. “At the time the victim answered the door there was a person unknown to the victim at the door who allegedly asked to use the victim’s phone.

“When the victim consented to help, the first suspect entered the home quickly followed by a second masked suspect the victim had not seen,” Goodin said.

“Both suspects were apparently trying to rob the victim-homeowner who was able to defend himself by retrieving a firearm. (He) fired multiple shots which struck and killed the first suspect who initially knocked on the victim’s door.”

An autopsy was performed Wednesday morning on Chastain, by the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville, Ky.

Goodin said Washington County Coroner Rondale Brishaber determined and released the cause of death as gunshot wounds, Goodin said.

Indiana State Police are still searching for a second suspect who is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, wearing what appeared to be a black and white homemade mask on his face.

“This person should be considered dangerous and should not be confronted by citizens,” Goodin said.
Anyone with information about the possible identity of the second suspect should contact 911 immediately, Goodin added.

Anyone else with information about the investigation is asked to call the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg at (812) 246-2509.

Jackson County Sheriff Marc Lahrman said people should be careful when answering their doors, especially at night.

“They certainly have a right to protect themselves and their property, but those things can get out of hand,” Lahrman said.

He said residents should protect themselves ahead of time — installing home alarms and security lighting.

“We have a lot of home alarms that ring right into us,” Lahrman said.

He also recommends people dial 911 to report any unexpected people at their homes.

“We’ll check it out,” he said. “We don’t accept over the phone that it’s a mistake. Tell us you have someone at the door and then don’t even go to the door. Wait for us to respond.”

Lahrman said residents should also make sure their doors are locked. He added turning on lights and creating noise can also chase would-be burglars away.

“But if someone’s truly intent on breaking in, they’re going to,” he added. “You can also hide yourself after you dial 911 and wait for us to respond.”