Indiana: "Good Samaritan" who averted tragedy has become a local hero

Despite having no police or military training, 22-year-old Lisjsha Dicken managed to stop a massacre in Indiana. An attacker identified as Jonathan Sapirman entered the Greenwood Park Mall and killed three people and wounded two, until he was repelled by the now local hero, who shot him from a distance while motioning for the crowds to evacuate, according to local police information.

Dickien was shopping with his girlfriend at the mall at the time of the event and reacted quickly by drawing his own gun and shooting the assailant, just two minutes after he first opened fire. A prompt reaction prevented a major massacre, this is in stark contrast to the response experienced in the tragic Robb School robbery in Uvalde.

Jim Ison, local police chief, referred to Dickien as a "Good Samaritan," the media has since dubbed him by that moniker. "His actions were nothing short of heroic. He engaged the gunman from quite a distance with a pistol and was very competent," Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison said at a press conference.

Mark Myers, Mayor of Greenwood, Indiana, thanked the "good Samaritan" for his quick action and asked for "prayers for the victims and our first responders." The mayor also noted that while the shooter's motive remains a mystery, "we know that someone we call the 'good Samaritan' was able to shoot the assailant and stop further bloodshed. This person saved lives tonight. On behalf of the City of Greenwood, I am grateful for his quick action and heroism in this situation."

Dicken's attorney, Guy Relford, referred to the "Good Samaritan" as "a true American hero who saved countless lives during a horrific event that could have been much worse if not for Eli's courage, preparedness and willingness to protect others."

Police investigation

An investigation into the attack is ongoing, with the assistance of the FBI, the ATF, the Department of Homeland Security and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police. The police chief told reporters, the attacker had a rifle with several magazines of ammunition,

Chief Ison explained that officials are studying security footage showing the moments leading up to the shooting.

The attacker Jonathan Sapirman had no criminal record as an adult, although he was allegedly known to local police alleged minor incidents including a fight at school. He had been evicted from his apartment, according to his family.