An Anderson Police Department officer, Maurice Magee, is currently facing charges for his involvement in a shootout while off-duty in Indianapolis. As reported by FOX59, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office has charged Magee with two counts of criminal recklessness, comprising a Level 5 and a Level 6 felony.
Officers responded to a reported shots-fired incident on the morning of May 19 in the 600 block of Woodruff Place West Drive, near Arsenal Technical High School after a confrontation following the theft of Magee's Dodge Challenger. According to a news release from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and information obtained by WTHR, it is alleged that Magee had used an Apple AirTag to locate his stolen vehicle when a collision occurred and shots were exchanged between Magee and the occupants of the stolen car.
While initially denying the discharge of his weapon, an AR-15 rifle, during the altercation, investigators countered Magee's statement with evidence. Shell casings from the scene were matched to his rifle, contradicting his claims as first detailed by WRTV. Additionally, amidst the chaos, a stray bullet reportedly entered through a child’s bedroom window, an incident which highlights the perils of the exchange but was not linked to Magee's firearm.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears criticized the officer's choice to personally confront the situation, remarking, "Law enforcement officers should understand the proper and safe ways for reporting a crime." He continued, as stated in an announcement by WTHR, "The allegations in the probable cause affidavit could have been avoided if the defendant had simply allowed local police to conduct an investigation. Instead, his alleged actions unnecessarily jeopardized the safety of the residents of Woodruff Place."
Since the incident, Magee remains on administrative leave pending further evaluation upon receipt of all charging information, said the Anderson Police Department in a statement provided by FOX59. The department has been cooperating with the investigation and has promised to release more details as they become available. Concerned by recent events, neighbors are now reportedly working with their local association to increase police presence in their community, according to WTHR.
