INDIANAPOLIS – On January 12, 2019, just before 9:30 a.m., officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) were dispatched to 1500 E. Minnesota Avenue on a report of a possible person shot. When officers arrived, they located an adult male who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers called for the assistance of the Indianapolis EMS who responded and transported the male to an area hospital. Despite the best life-saving efforts by medical staff, the victim died from his injuries.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene and began investigating this case. Officers and Homicide Detectives transported two subjects downtown to obtain additional information reference the investigation. 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 assisted in determining the exact manner and cause of death of the victim. The MCCO identified the victim as 42-year-old Richard Pettry.
On January 24, 2019, just after 7am Southeast District officers attempted to stop a vehicle, when the driver led officers on a short vehicle pursuit. When the car stopped at the intersection of Prospect/ Randolph the passenger of the vehicle jumped out of the car and ran into the neighborhood. Upon further investigation, officers were able to determine that the male who fled from the vehicle was 26-year-old Derrick Warner. IMPD SWAT, K9 and other officers checked the area and were able to locate Warner in a residence in the 1600 block of Asbury St. Warner was arrested without incident and transported to the Homicide Office for questioning. Warner is charge
In 2018, IMPD made critical investments in technology that supports investigators in identifying violent offenders and returned to community-based beat policing, allowing officers to build stronger relationships in the neighborhoods they serve. IMPD ended 2018 with a clearance rate of 64%, a more than 20% increase over the prior year.
A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information is urged to please contact the homicide office at 317.327.3475 or Crime Stoppers at 317.262.TIPS.
