A former IMPD deputy chief was wounded in the ankle Friday night after a 53-year-old man allegedly opened fire at an east-side home, turning a late-night doorstep confrontation into a gunfight that sent both men to hospitals.
The shooting happened around 10 p.m. in the 1900 block of Kildare Avenue. According to Fox 59, Lamont Johnson arrived at the residence carrying a gun while the homeowner was speaking with Bill Benjamin, who was wearing a badge and a shirt identifying him as a Lawrence police officer.
Benjamin is a longtime Indianapolis law enforcement figure. WFYI previously identified him as a former IMPD deputy chief and reported that he had become chief of security at Tindley Schools after leaving the department.
How The Kildare Avenue Gunfight Unfolded
The homeowner told Fox 59 that Johnson pointed his weapon at her and Benjamin, then backed them into the living room. Johnson allegedly fired at Benjamin about six times before the two men wrestled over Benjamin's gun and exchanged more shots. Benjamin retreated from the porch toward Kildare Avenue while fleeing the gunfire, and his weapon was later found near the end of the driveway.
Investigation And Lawrence Police Review
Johnson was shot in the chest and transported to a hospital in critical condition, while Benjamin suffered an ankle wound. The homeowner, who is certified in CPR, provided aid to Johnson until police and an ambulance arrived, according to Fox 59. IMPD is investigating, and Lawrence police said they will review Benjamin's status; the report said he was unlikely to face criminal charges based on the available account.
Lawrence's municipal code says reserve officers are not members of the regular department but generally have the same police powers, subject to departmental limits, according to the Lawrence city code. That review could help clarify Benjamin's authority and department standing as investigators sort out who fired first and whether any criminal charges will follow.
