Police detective killed, agent hurt at FBI field office when suspect opens fire and throws explosive

A police detective was murdered outside an Indiana FBI field office after a suspect opened fire and threw an explosive. 

A second federal agent was hurt in the alleged assault that shook the police community in Terre Haute, Indiana, this week.

“An attack on law enforcement is an attack on us all,” Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress said. “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.

On July 7, Shane Meehan, 44, drove his pickup truck to the gate of the FBI Resident Agency building, according to federal officials. Meehan exited his truck and threw a Molotov Cocktail toward the facility, according to court documents.

The Resident Agency buildings are similar to field offices in small towns.

Terre Haute police detective Gregory 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, federal officials said. Ferency tried to return fire, but was hit and later died.

An FBI Special Agent ran out of the building and shot at Meehan, according to federal officials. Meehan was hit twice, but still fled the scene in his truck.

Police found Meehan at the Vigo County Regional Hospital, where he was treated for his gunshot wounds.

A gun was recovered from Meehan’s pickup truck, along with three Molotov Cocktails and additional ammunition, according to federal officials. Meehan is charged with murder of a federal agent. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

“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,” said Childress. “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.”

Terre Haute police say Ferency was a 30-year veteran with the agency. He was part of an FBI task force and working with federal officials when he was killed.

A memorial fund has been set up at First Financial Bank in Indiana, the money will go to his family.