Deputy Exonerated in Fatal Traffic Stop of Jan. 6 Capitol Rioter

HOBART, Indiana — A special prosecutor announced Thursday that no charges will be filed against a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy involved in the shooting death of Matthew Huttle, 42, a former Capitol rioter, during a traffic stop on January 26.

Following an independent review, Special Prosecutor Chris Vawter determined that the deputy acted within the law while attempting to arrest Huttle, who had raised a handgun during the encounter. Huttle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Body camera footage from the incident shows Huttle lamenting his legal troubles just before the stop. “I can’t do it. I can’t go to jail for this, sir,” he told the deputy as they approached his vehicle. The exchange escalated when Huttle ran back to his car, declaring, “I’m shooting myself.”

The deputy, who warned Huttle not to do it, subsequently fired his weapon after a brief struggle ensued. “There was probable cause to arrest Huttle on a felony charge,” Vawter said. “When Huttle reached for the weapon, he posed an imminent risk to the deputy.”

Investigators later discovered a loaded 9 mm handgun inside Huttle’s vehicle, corroborating the deputy’s account of the incident. Indiana State Police conducted a comprehensive investigation before turning the case over to the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office, which ultimately decided against pressing charges.

The encounter began when Huttle was pulled over for speeding—traveling 70 mph in a 55-mph zone—on State Road 14. During the stop, Huttle disclosed his recent history related to the January 6 Capitol riot, stating, “I stormed the Capitol. I’m waiting on my pardon,” underscoring his acute awareness of his legal situation.

Huttle’s history includes being among over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6 insurrection. In November 2023, he pled guilty to entering a restricted building and was sentenced to six months in prison.

The video footage shows Huttle discussing his precarious situation, qualifying his illegal driving by stating he was waiting on a “hardship license.” He emphasized that he could not afford further legal complications at that time.

In a statement, Vawter emphasized that the deputy’s actions were justified, and the investigation into the shooting is now closed. The deputy had been placed on administrative leave following the shooting, which is standard procedure in such incidents.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit local mental health services.

Phil Helsel contributed to this report.