Court docs detail fight leading up to deadly shooting outside Indy Texas Roadhouse

INDIANAPOLIS — A quick thinking off duty IMPD officer is being praised for arresting a murder suspect after a deadly shooting outside a Texas Roadhouse on Indy’s south side.

After the shooting in the parking lot, the off-duty officer held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

According to court records, the violence started when the suspect and victim got into a fight while eating dinner with other family members, including the suspect’s two young children.

“If you have a problem, say something.”

“Well, let’s go outside.”

Court records claim that verbal exchange between 34-year-old Randy Godfrey and 32-year-old Robert Smith escalated. Just before 9 p.m. Friday, the pair reportedly began brawling in the aisle of a Texas Roadhouse near Southport Road.

That’s when an off-duty IMPD officer jumped into action. With the help of some employees, they separated the two men and freed Smith so he could run outside.

The initial affidavit in the case claims the female officer tried to hold Godfrey on the floor, but the suspect said he didn’t care that she was a cop and threatened to kill Smith.

Godfrey then pushed free from the officer, jumped a short wall and went outside, where witnesses claim he shot Smith to death.

The officer then retrieved her gun and detained Godfrey without anyone else being hurt. The suspect refused commands to get on the ground and even told the officer to shoot him.

At the same time, the suspect’s fiancée tried to perform CPR on the victim.

“I am just very thankful that the off-duty officer was here to make an apprehension because if more shots had rang out, there’s always a possibility that somebody else could have been struck,” said IMPD Capt. Don Weilhammer.

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey added in a written statement:

“I am proud of our officer whose bravery and quick actions, even while off duty, led to the safe apprehension of this suspect. This officer’s actions reflect the dedication and commitment of all our officers to protect, serve, and keep our community safe – on or off the clock. I am also thankful for the community members who courageously stepped in to help stop further violence and provide aid to the victim. I send my deepest condolences to the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Court records show Godfrey previously pleaded guilty to criminal mischief for shooting at another man’s home last year. He was on probation until November of last year for that case.

Our request to talk to the off-duty officer about the incident at Texas Roadhouse was declined by IMPD, who also asked us not to name the officer.

The suspect is now being held without bond at the Marion County jail, pending the filing of formal charges.