Full Notification

INCIDENT TYPE: **UPDATE #2** Officer-Involved Shooting Connected to Early Morning Homicide
 
INCIDENT LOCATION: 1000 N. Delaware St.

INDIANAPOLIS - Following threat assessments related to the officer-involved shooting on September 16, 2021 at 1000 N. Delaware Street, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor identified the officers involved as 16-year veteran Joshua Taylor and 31-year veteran Donald Jones.
 
IMPD will continue to be fair and transparent with our community, while protecting the integrity of criminal investigations, and officer safety. IMPD formalized a policy in 2020 which outlines when and how officers involved in critical incidents should be identified to the public.

This policy solidifies IMPD’s practice of conducting a threat assessment by the IMPD Intelligence Unit following a critical incident and prior to releasing the names of the officers involved to protect the officer and their families. This policy ensures information is provided to the public as soon as possible. 
 
This incident is being investigated by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).  Detectives are working with the Marion County Prosecutors Office, and the Marion County Forensic Services Agency to ensure a fair and thorough investigation is completed.
 
A separate internal investigation is being conducted by IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit to ensure compliance with departmental policy, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting.  

Last year, Chief Randal Taylor announced the creation of a new civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board, which will have the authority to review uses of force by an IMPD officer, whether a physical altercation, deployment of a taser, or use of a firearm. The Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any use of deadly force against a person.  Consistent with the Merit Law, the Use of Force Review Board will make an advisory finding related to this incident which will be limited to determining whether the officer’s actions were within departmental policy. 
 

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INCIDENT TYPE:  Officer-Involved Shooting Connected to Early Morning Homicide
 
INCIDENT LOCATION: 
 1000 N. Delaware Street (OIS)
1000 N. Holmes (Homicide)
 
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Detective Jeremy Ingram, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected] *
 
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
 
On Friday, September 16, 2022, just before 7:30 a.m., IMPD Southwest District officers were dispatched to W. 10^th Street and N. Holmes Ave, on a report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an unresponsive adult female who sustained injuries consistent with a gunshot wound(s). Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived and unfortunately pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
 
IMPD Homicide detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation. Preliminary information leads investigators to believe this incident is domestic-related and the victim and suspect were known to each other.
 
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence. The Marion County Coroner’s Office (MCCO) will assist and determine the exact cause and manner of death. The MCCO will release the decedent’s name once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.   
 
As the homicide investigation continued, detectives were able to obtain a suspect and a suspect vehicle description, which was shared with IMPD detectives and officers.
 
At approximately 10:19 a.m., dispatch communications received 911 call from a concerned community member, who was at a bus stop near 1000 N. Delaware St, with a possible suspect in a shooting at 10^th and Holmes that took place earlier in the day. The caller was able to provide the suspect’s description.
 
IMPD Downtown District officers responded to the location and observed a suspect and a vehicle matching the description of the car connected to the homicide investigation that took place earlier in the day. Immediately upon exiting their patrol vehicles, IMPD officers observed the suspect holding a rifle. Officers gave the suspect commands to drop the weapon. At that time, officers discharged their service weapons.
 
The adult male suspect, identified as 33-year-old Orlando Mitchell, was shot at least once by IMPD officers. Following the officer involved shooting, officers with the Violent Crime Unit (VCU) were able to get Mitchell in custody and medics, who were already staged, rendered aid to him. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) responded and transported the suspect to an area hospital awake and breathing. At last check, Mitchell is in stable condition.
 
Mitchell is currently being held two warrants related to prior domestic violence cases with a no bond hold. IMPD is working with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) to file murder and other charges against the suspect.
 
During the investigation, detectives located two firearms with the suspect (photos of both firearms are attached.)
 
Two IMPD officers discharged their service weapons during this incident. These officers are veteran officers of IMPD’s Downtown District. One officer has 31 years of service and the other officer has 16 years of service.
 
No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident.  Detectives are confident the person responsible for the shooting is in custody and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
  
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is assisting with this investigation.
  
A separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs. The officers who fired their guns have been placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure in an officer involved shooting investigation. Body-worn cameras were activated at the time of the incident.
 
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any attempted use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
 
The Police Officer Support Team (POST) responded to provide peer support for officers.  The IMPD Chaplain’s Office and Victims Assistance Unit responded to assist with those involved and the homicide victim’s family.
 
Detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and other evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Jeremy Ingram at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475.  Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
 
An arrest is merely an accusation and the suspect should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
No further updates are anticipated until formal charges are filed by the MCPO.
  
Case Number - IP220077404 (OIS), IP220092254 (Homicide)
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