An officer-involved shooting on Indianapolis's east side is currently under investigation after Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers shot a wanted suspect yesterday. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. in the 900 block of North Grant Avenue, as reported by FOX59. Officers from IMPD's North District Violence Reduction Team and Violent Crimes Task Force surrounded a detached garage where the suspect, wanted for various charges including unlawful possession of a firearm by a violent felon, was believed to be hiding.
According to a statement obtained by WTHR, the man initially followed the officers' instructions to raise his hands and walk towards them but then reached for his waistband and attempted to quickly run away. In response, one officer used a Taser while another fired their service weapon, causing the man to fall to the ground. While down, the suspect again reached towards his waistband, which prompted officers to once again open fire.
IMPD officers provided medical aid after the shooting, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the tense scenario, no officers were injured during the confrontation. In a statement obtained by WRTV, the police confirmed that a total of three officers discharged their firearms. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, per usual protocol following such an incident.
No weapon was found on the suspect or in the immediate vicinity of the shooting scene. As IMPD Assistant Chief Michael Wolley expressed to WTHR, "I'm saddened that we're here, that there is a family that is with their loved one in the hospital. I'm sad that our officers, the emotional toll that something like this affects their lives, and I'm saddened that the community, because I know these incidents have a rippling impact." A local resident, Tyree Martin, echoed the community's sentiment to WTHR, urging, "Stop the violence. Stop from people, officers. Let them officers do they job and stop the violence."
The investigation into the incident remains active, with Detective Kyle Hoover leading the effort. IMPD has confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public resulting from this episode. Anyone with further information on the incident is encouraged to contact the IMPD Homicide Office.
