On 10.19.16 just after 3:00 p.m., officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Denny St. reference a theft call. When the officer arrived, he encountered the father of the caller. As the officer was investigating the circumstances of the call, he learned that the father had stolen the cell phone and debit card from the caller.
As the officer, who was by himself at the time, was attempting to detain the male, a second unidentified male attempted to grab the officer’s handgun out of his holster. A struggle ensued over the officer’s gun. However, the officer was able to maintain control of his handgun and discharged his handgun striking the suspect twice. The officer immediately called for medical assistance, and Indianapolis EMS personnel responded and transported the male to Eskenazi Hospital in serious condition.
Investigators have taken all known witnesses down to IMPD Headquarters for formal statements and questioning. If additional witnesses exist that have not yet talked with investigators, we urge them to call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to the scene to collect forensic evidence. The shooting is being investigated by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). A separate and independent internal investigation will be conducted, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting, by IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit to ensure compliance with departmental policy. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is involved and will be consulted throughout the investigative process, which includes up to or including the Grand Jury, with civilian oversight. In addition the IMPD Firearms Review Board will ensure the departmental use of force was reasonable. The involved officer, who is a three-year veteran of IMPD, will be placed on Administrative Leave to ensure he receives coping services. IMPD’s wellness program will be available to address any concerns the involved officer may have.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317)262-TIPS (8477). All tips given via Crime Stoppers are considered anonymous.
