INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Homicide detectives make an arrest in stabbing death on the city’s north side.
Just before 6:00 p.m., on November 18, 2018 officers were called to 1716 Stevenson Street on a domestic disturbance with a person stabbed. When officers arrived they could hear screaming coming from the residence. When officers entered the residence they located a female who was bleeding profusely, with what appeared to be several stab wounds. Standing near the woman was a male, later identified as 26-year-old Ronald Tucker Jr., with a knife in his hand. Standing near Tucker was another female witness. Officers ordered the male to drop the knife while they attempted to get the witness out of the room and out of harm’s way. The male refused to put down the knife. Tucker then used the knife to cut his own throat and stab himself in the stomach. Officers deployed their department issued Taser, which was effective, and caused Tucker to fall to the ground. The suspect continued to resist and fight with Officers as they were attempting to gain control over him. During the struggle, one officer was exposed to the suspect’s blood. Officers were able to get control of Tucker and took him into custody.
Indianapolis Fire Department and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) responded to the scene and despite the best lifesaving efforts, the victim died from her injuries. Tucker was transported to a local area hospital where he was treated for his injuries and taken into police custody.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene and began canvassing the area for witnesses. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to assist with identifying and collecting potential forensic evidence. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will be assisting in determining the exact manner and cause of death of the victim. The MCCO will release the name of the victim once proper next-of-kin notification has been made. Ronald Tucker Jr. was arrested and preliminarily charged with murder, with other charges expected to follow. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and make a charging decision.
“This is a tragic incident that shows the inherent dangers of the police profession and the violence that can occur within a domestic relationship. The suspect in this case, armed with knife, had already shown himself as a deadly threat when the officers arrived. Our officers showed a tremendous amount of restraint in subduing this armed suspect, even deploying a taser and going hands on after the suspect made an attempt at his own life.” Stated Chief Bryan Roach, “We grieve for the family of the victim and encourage anyone in a violent relationship to reach out for help. Abusive behavior should not be tolerated in any home, especially behind the guise of love.”
If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship, the IMPD would like to encourage you to seek assistance from one of the Domestic Violence Awareness partners in Indianapolis, such as the Julian Center. The Julian Center can be reached at 317.920.9320 or you can visit their website at juliancenter.org. If you are currently experiencing abuse and not in immediate danger, please contact our non-emergency line at 317.327.3811 so that an officer can respond to assist.
Anyone with information about criminal activity should call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS). Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards.
A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
