Westfield PD: Suspect who fired shots at police, instigated car chase apprehended

WESTFIELD, Ind. — Law enforcement has apprehended a suspect who allegedly fired shots at police and instigated a vehicle chase in Westfield Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Westfield Police Department, officers first engaged with the suspect near the intersection of 191st Street and Chatham Commons Boulevard around 1:52 p.m. At that intersection, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the suspect.

The suspect disregarded police’s efforts to pull him over, and a pursuit ensued. The chase ended when the suspect crashed into a ditch in the 1800 block of Dan Patch Lane.

Per WPD, the suspect exited the vehicle after the crash and fired shots at police. No officers or civilians were struck by the gunfire.

After firing shots, the suspect fled the scene on foot. WPD then established a perimeter from 191st to 196th Streets and U.S. Highway 31 to Flippins Road. Once the perimeter was set up, WPD began searching for the suspect.

Police encouraged area residents to lock their doors and remain inside while the search for the suspect was ongoing. During the search, Virginia F. Wood Early Learning Center, Monon Trail Elementary School, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School and Westfield High School operated under what Westfield Washington Schools called “heightened security awareness.”

As the search unfolded, schools in the district operated as normal inside, but outdoor activities were called off. Administrators also stationed an adult at the main entrance of each school as an additional security measure.

In a briefing held just before 5 p.m., WPD confirmed that law enforcement had apprehended the suspect. Police indicated that they are waiting to provide additional details on the incident for operational security reasons.

“For the safety of our officers and the community, we will continue to withhold certain operational details at this time,” WPD Assistant Chief Billy Adams said during a media briefing. “Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.