Beech Grove officer Brian Elliott killed, another wounded; statewide Blue Alert issued for suspect

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Kenneth Johnson, wanted “for the involvement of injury to a law enforcement officer,” according to the Indiana State Police – Photo provided by ISP

Staff report

Beach Grove, Ind. – February 16, 2026

A Beech Grove police officer was killed and another officer was injured Monday evening after officers responded to a disturbance call on the city’s south side, prompting Indiana State Police to issue a statewide Blue Alert for a suspect believed to be armed and dangerous.

In a message released Monday night, Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice said Officer Brian Elliott and two other Beech Grove Police Department officers were dispatched at 6:08 p.m. to the 100 block of Diplomat Court for a disturbance. After they arrived, Maurice said, Elliott and another officer were shot. Both were transported to Eskenazi Hospital, where Elliott later died from his injuries despite lifesaving efforts.

“The other officer, who we are not naming at this time, is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive,” Maurice said, adding that a third officer was also on the call. Maurice said his “heart goes out to Brian’s wife, Erin, his parents, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones,” and thanked Eskenazi Hospital staff and law enforcement partners for what he called an extraordinary response and support.

Indiana State Police issued Blue Alert 001-2026 for Kenneth Johnson, wanted “for the involvement of injury to a law enforcement officer,” according to the alert. ISP described Johnson as a 47-year-old Black man, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, last seen in Beech Grove around 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, wearing a blue shirt and blue pants. Police said Johnson is believed to be armed and dangerous.

Authorities urged anyone who sees Johnson not to approach and to call 911 or Indiana State Police in Indianapolis at 317-899-8577.

Beech Grove is a city in Marion County, Indiana, located roughly 10 minutes southeast of downtown Indianapolis. As an “excluded city” within the Indianapolis metropolitan area, it operates independently of the consolidated city-county government.

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