On Sunday, February 27, 2022, shortly after 10:00 pm, an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) was shot and an officer-involved shooting occurred in the alley north of 1600 Woodlawn Avenue. The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
Shortly after 10:00 pm, IMPD Southeast District officers responded to a report of an accident in the 1600 block of Lexington Avenue. While officers were on the way, dispatch provided additional information. That information included that a black male in a red jacket was exposing himself, a male in a red vehicle was “acting strange”, and the male in a red vehicle was intoxicated and was last seen southbound on State Street. Witnesses directed officers to a red Buick that left the scene of the accident.
Officers located the red Buick and a male wearing a red jacket in a red vehicle in the 1600 block of Woodlawn Avenue. Both officers exited a fully-marked police vehicle and were in full police uniform. Within seconds, the male began running away from officers. The officers told the man, “Stop. Police”. There was an exchange of gunfire between at least one officer and the suspect in the area of the alley north of 1600 Woodlawn Avenue. One IMPD officer was shot and was transported to Eskenazi Hospital by Indianapolis Fire Department Engine 3 in serious condition. The officer has since been upgraded to serious but stable condition. The officer is a one-year officer who was in field training.
IMPD officers and Indiana State Police set up a perimeter to search for the suspect. IMPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers located the suspect shortly after 11:00 pm in the area of 900 Dawson Street. The suspect had injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. A handgun was located adjacent to where the suspect was located. Medics assigned to SWAT provided medical treatment.
The suspect was transported by IEMS to Methodist Hospital in critical condition. He has been upgraded to serious condition.
No other officers or citizens were injured during this incident.
Multiple officers were wearing body-worn cameras which were activated at the time of the incident.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is assisting with this investigation.
The IMPD Chaplain’s Office and Victim’s Assistance unit responded to provide assistance to people involved in this incident. The Police Officer Support Team (POST) responded to provide peer support for officers.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene and is being consulted throughout the investigation.
A separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs. The officer who fired his gun has been placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting investigation.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
Detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and other evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Leslie Vanbuskirk at 317-327-3475 or by e-mail at Leslie.Vanbuskirk@indy.gov.
Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
