On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, shortly after 3:00 a.m. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officers responded report of a domestic disturbance with a weapon. The caller reported a man was going to “kill them all.”
Officers located the female caller near Madison Avenue and E Southport Road. The caller told officers someone called to tell her that her ex-boyfriend was on his way to her house to kill her. She told officers she left her home with her kids and her ex-boyfriend followed her.
Officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the area and attempted to stop him. Officers activated their lights and sirens but the suspect failed to stop. A brief vehicle pursuit ensued when ended in the 1800 block of Portage Terrace when the suspect stopped the vehicle and stepped out of the vehicle. The suspect was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The suspect had a handgun in his hand and repeated said, “Shoot me,” to the officers. Officers gave the suspect multiple commands to put the gun down and get on the ground.
At some point one officer fired his duty weapon striking the suspect at which point the suspect fell into the passenger seat. Officers gave multiple commands to the suspect to show his hands, approached the suspect, and provided the suspect medical treatment.
The suspect was transported to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition where he later passed away.
Detectives located a handgun on scene.
Detectives learned the female and the suspect have had an ongoing dispute over the past week where the suspect threatened to shoot her and commit suicide.
No uninvolved citizens or officers were injured during this incident.
Multiple officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office (MCCO) will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. MCCO will release the decedent’s names once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal 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 attempted use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
The Police Officer Support Team (POST) responded to provide peer support for officers. The IMPD Chaplain’s Office and Victims Assistance responded to assist with those involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Christopher Winter at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
