IMPD officer shot on Indy’s near west side; 3 suspects in custody with 1 on the run

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis police officer was injured Tuesday during a shootout with a suspect on the city’s near west side. One suspect was also shot and three have been taken into custody, with one person still on the run.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were called around 2 p.m. to the intersection of N. White River Pkwy E. Drive and Sheffield Avenue. Minutes later, EMS crews were called to the intersection of 16th Street and Lafayette Road for a gunshot scene.

Multiple sources confirm that an IMPD officer was shot at least three times in the leg and buttocks. The officer was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition.

Law enforcement sources initially confirmed to FOX59/CBS4 that one suspect was shot and killed during the shootout with police. IMPD later clarified that the suspect shot by police is not dead.

In total, police believe four suspects were involved in the incident. One was shot and transported to a hospital in critical condition. Two were taken into custody and one is still believed to be on the run.

IMPD officials said the incident occurred when an IMPD officer spotted a carjacked vehicle near 16th Street and Harding. The officer followed the driver, who pulled into a nearby apartment complex and parked.

Investigators said the car had four people inside. Immediately, one male suspect got out of the car and ran away on foot. The officer then took the driver into custody on the ground. As this happened, police said the two remaining passengers got out of the car.

One of those passengers then reportedly walked to the front of the car and began shooting at the officer, striking him at least three times. The officer returned fire, shooting the suspect who had initially fired.

The officer reportedly applied a tourniquet to himself before community members came and assisted him. Backup officers also gave the injured suspect medical aid on scene.

IMPD said that they now have three suspects, including the driver and the alleged shooter, in custody. They are still looking for the one male suspect who initially ran away from the scene, although they do not believe he is a threat to the public.

On scene, IMPD said officers recovered two guns. One of the firearms was found near the alleged shooter by the car, while the other was found in a hallway where the third suspect was located.

The officer who was shot has reportedly been with the department for over four years. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said the officer is in “a lot of pain” but looking to make a full recovery. He added that doctors are concerned the bullets may never be able to be removed.

Bailey said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that he is thankful the officer is alive.

“Every day, our officers put their lives on the line protecting our community,” Bailey said. “That’s exactly what our officer did today. In less than a week, IMPD officers have been attacked twice by violent people. Thankful our officer is alive and getting treatment.”

In a statement on social media, Mayor Joe Hogsett expressed gratitude that the officer is not seriously injured.

“Every day, the men and women of IMPD put their safety on the line to protect all of ours,” Hogsett said. “Our city is fortunate to have the best police department in the country. Grateful to hear that our officer is in stable condition.”

Bailey said in an update Tuesday that Mayor Hogsett had also come and visited the injured officer, as well as the IMPD North District.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun also issued a statement on Tuesday’s shooting via Facebook:

“Please join me in praying for the wounded officer, the hands of all those providing the officer care, and the officer’s friends and family. This is the second time IMPD officers have been attacked in less than a week. Enough is enough.”

According to IMPD officials, bodycam and dashcams were rolling during the incident and the officer was by himself when he was shot. The officer has been placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure with officer-involved shootings.