Bus slaying suspect recently in prison

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) –  The man police said was involved in a fatal early morning shooting that led to a hostage situation on Wednesday had served time in prison for dealing drugs and for possessing a firearm as a serious violent felon.

Jacqueline Bouvier Hardy, 49, had recently obtained a protective order against Kenneth Knight, 45, according to a press release issued by Public Information Officer Raquel Foster.

According to Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York, the protective order against him violated Knight's parole. York implied that this fact was a potential motive for the morning's shooting. 

As of Wednesday evening, police were still searching for the gun used to kill Hardy. Foster told NewsChannel 15 a shotgun was used but it had not yet been found.

Fort Wayne police sharpshooters shot and killed Knight as he held a three-year-old boy hostage for more than four hours after Hardy's killing. Police were then able to get the toddler safely out of the home.

According to court records, Knight was sent to prison in 2006 for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. He was released in November 2011.

In 2000, Knight was sentenced to 10 years for dealing in cocaine or narcotic drug. He was released and placed on parole in 2005.

At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Chief York held a press conference to assure the city that their offices are doing everything they can to keep everyone as safe as possible.