IMPD investigating fatal accident involving officer

INDIANAPOLIS –  On May 6, 2020, at approximately 9:44 p.m., Southwest District officers responded to S. Harding Street and the eastbound ramp of I465 for a pedestrian struck by an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer.  The officer was reporting to work for his shift at the time of the incident.

Officer Jonathon Henderson, a 22-year veteran of IMPD, was traveling northbound on S. Harding Street approaching I465.  Officer Henderson was in the right entrance ramp lane which proceeds onto the entrance ramp to I465.   Officer Henderson struck a pedestrian as he was travelling towards the ramp.  Officer Henderson requested assistance to the scene, and immediately rendered first aid to the victim.  Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived on the scene and transported the pregnant female to Eskenazi hospital in critical condition.  Despite the best lifesaving efforts, the woman and unborn child were pronounced deceased. 

Fatal Crash Investigators were called to the scene, where they began the investigation.  Officer Henderson cooperated with investigators and immediately submitted to a blood draw which is standard protocol for anyone involved in a fatal crash.

Preliminary findings do not lead investigators to believe driver impairment is a factor in this incident

The Marion County Coroner’s Office will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. The MCCO will release the name of the decedent once proper next-of-kin notification has been made.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or 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.