Officer injured, suspect dead in Indianapolis gunfire

INDIANAPOLIS – A police officer was hospitalized and a suspect dead after an exchange of gunfire in Indianapolis last night.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was struck and injured by gunfire during a traffic stop on city’s northwest side. After a lengthy  pursuit, the suspect who reportedly fired at officers -- prompting return gunfire by them -- was killed.

The suspect’s name has not been released at this time.

​The injured officer was transported to an area hospital in stable condition. The officer riding  with him reported minor injuries by debris and did not require any medical attention.

According to a press release, the one- year veteran officer with the IMPD, conducted an investigatory traffic stop on a vehicle in the Marathon Gas Station lot at 7100 Georgetown Road just before 6:40 p.m. He reportedly recognized the plate from a suspect vehicle involved in criminal activity earlier in the week. 

Additional officers  reported to assist at the scene and they approached the driver. The driver was allegedly uncooperative and refused to identify himself.

"He began rolling up his window, which had a dark tint, ignoring the officers’ commands. Officers broke the window and fired pepper ball rounds into the vehicle in an effort to gain compliance. The passenger in the vehicle then got out of the vehicle and the suspect sped off at a high rate of speed and turned south onto Georgetown Road," the press release states.

The  initiating officer was struck by gunfire after the  suspect made a U-Turn and allegedly began firing at the pursuing officers. He was shot through his lower right ankle, and also suffered a likely graze wound to the back of his head, according to the press release.

 The chase eventually ended on the city’s east side after a lengthy pursuit.

"At the conclusion of the pursuit the suspect, again, fired at officers and several IMPD officers," according to the press release.

A suspect firearm was reportedly recovered from the scene. 

The investigation is ongoing.
​
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317)262-TIPS(8477). All tips given via Crime Stoppers are considered anonymous.