On Sunday, October 27, 2024, just after 3:30 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) East District officers were in the 1000 block of N. Kealing Avenue conducting an unrelated theft investigation. During the investigation, an uninvolved vehicle approached officers and came to a sudden stop. A female occupant of the vehicle exited and told officers that she was being held at gunpoint by a male suspect, who was inside the vehicle. An officer gave the adult male suspect loud verbal commands to put his hands up. The suspect, who was inside the vehicle, then pointed a handgun in the direction of nearby officers and at least one uninvolved citizen. At that time, an officer-involved shooting occurred.
One IMPD officer discharged his service weapon during the incident striking the suspect at least once. The same officer transitioned to a less-lethal electronic control device and officers ordered the suspect to drop the gun. The officer deployed his electronic control device and the suspect was still holding the firearm. Officers then took the firearm out of the suspect’s hand and pulled the suspect out of the car. Officers rendered first aid to the suspect. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived and transported the suspect to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. The suspect is still in critical, but stable condition.
Detectives later learned from the female victim that she was driving northbound on North Kealing Avenue and saw officers near the intersection of E 11th Street. She told detectives the suspect jumped into the vehicle a few blocks from this incident and forced her to drive. She then drove to the location where she recalled seeing officers, stopped and alerted the officers of the situation. During this encounter, the suspect threatened the driver with a handgun.
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 Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) is being consulted throughout the investigation.
Detectives are confident there is no ongoing threat to the community. There is no suspect outstanding.
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 their 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 responded to assist with those involved.
The IMPD Victims Assistance unit responded to assist officers, detectives, and community members.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Duke at the Homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Case Number – IP240102615
