An Indianapolis man convicted of hitting a police officer with his car while being intoxicated was sentenced to seven years in prison, a ruling that has sparked disappointment among law enforcement officials. According to WTHR, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer was struck during an incident last November outside a CVS on North Meridian Street. Terrance Shane, the accused, reached a plea agreement for possession of a narcotic drug and for committing battery with a deadly weapon, with another charge against a public safety official dropped in the process.
An officer was pinned between Shane's car and a wall after he reversed his vehicle when police attempted to detain him for further questioning, IMPD Deputy Chief Michael Wolley disclosed during the situation, officers ordered Shane to show his hands and to lay on the ground after one of them had fired a shot, Shane then complied. Despite experiencing personal injury, the stricken officer was listed in good condition, while the defendant was also treated for a gunshot wound and found to be stable, CBS4 Indy reported.
IMPD, sharing their views via social media, expressed their concern over the sentence, stating "We believe that those who attack our officers should be held fully accountable and face maximum penalties allowed under the law," in a sentiment echoed by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. The court's decision fell short of the 10-year maximum sentence permissible under the plea agreement, and the IMPD underscored the daily hazards officers confront – reaffirming their commitment to serve and protect with integrity and compassion, regardless of the outcome, as stated in a report from WRTV.
Following the verdict, IMPD continues to highlight the importance of supporting their officers, "We should all be thankful for these men and women," the department mentioned, giving thanks to all the emergency responders and community members who played a role during and after the incident. The sentence includes probation following Shane’s prison term, and IMPD clarified that the officer responsible for shooting Shane was placed on administrative leave, with further evaluation of the incident pending even as Shane begins his term, as further detailed by CBS4 Indy.
