Full Notification

INCIDENT TYPE: UPDATE #2 - Shots Fired Investigation Leads to Officer Involved Shooting 
 
INCIDENT LOCATION:  5800 Winding Way Ln.
 
Following threat assessments related to the officer-involved shooting on Sunday, January 29, 2023, in the 5800 block of Winding Way Lane, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor identified the officers involved as 3-year veteran Zachary Boston, 15-year veteran Andrew Girt and 3-year veteran Officer Jacob Liebhauser.
 
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 Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency to complete a fair and thorough investigation.
 
IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a separate internal investigation to ensure compliance with departmental policy, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting.  
 
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory review of this incident as it does for any use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
 
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INCIDENT TYPE: UPDATE #1 - Shots Fired Investigation Leads to Officer Involved Shooting 
 
INCIDENT LOCATION:  5800 Winding Way Ln.
 
Detectives arrested two individuals for their alleged roles in these incidents.  Detectives arrested 22-year-old Christian Myers for intimidation, criminal recklessness, unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer, and battery in connection to the incident that occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m.  Myers was the alleged driver of the suspect vehicle and will be arrested in connection to the incident in the afternoon which led to the officer-involved shooting.  The exact offenses for which he will be arrested are still being determined.  Detectives are in consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.  These details will be provided once they are available. Myers remains at the hospital in critical condition.
 
Detectives also arrested a 24-year-old male for resisting law enforcement.  He was the alleged passenger in the suspect vehicle which fled from officers.  He was not suspected as having any role in the original disturbance and there is no indication he fired any shots at officers.
 
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decisions. 
  
An arrest is merely an accusation.  The suspects should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.  
 
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INCIDENT TYPE: Shots Fired Investigation Leads to Officer Involved Shooting 
 
INCIDENT LOCATION:  5800 Winding Way Ln
 
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE:  Sergeant Erika Jones, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected] *
 
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
 
On Sunday, January 29, 2023, at approximately 3:00 a.m. IMPD officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Broad Ripple Ave on a report of shots fired.  There, officers spoke with a female who stated she was involved in a disturbance with the father of her child. She told officers the suspect fired at least one shot striking her vehicle as she drove away.  Detectives responded to investigate and began looking for the suspect to arrest him for intimidation, criminal recklessness, unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer, and battery.  Detectives were not able to locate him until later in the day. 
 
Just after 4:00 p.m., IMPD North District officers located the suspect outside a vehicle at the BP gas station at E 38^th St and Fall Creek Blvd.  Officers attempted to detain the suspect but he got into a vehicle a drove away.  Officers attempted to stop him by activating their lights and sirens, but the vehicle failed to stop.  A brief pursuit followed until the suspect vehicle crashed into an uninvolved vehicle.  The occupants of the uninvolved vehicle were checked out by medics and released.  The two occupants of the suspect vehicle fled on foot westbound across Binford Blvd, through a ditch, over a fence, one suspect fired shots at officers at 5800 Winding Way Ln, and three officers returned fire striking the suspect.
 
Officers provided medical aid to the suspect until medics arrived.  Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived and transported the individual to Methodist Hospital in critical condition.  The second suspect, also an adult male, was not injured but was transported to Eskenazi Hospital due to a complaint of chest pain.
 
Detectives located a handgun with an extended magazine outside the passenger door of the suspect vehicle as well as a handgun with an extended magazine and Glock switch where the suspect involved in the shooting was located. (photos of the firearms are attached)
 
Multiple body-worn cameras were activated during this incident.
 
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
 
Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.  The case will be presented to the MCPO for charging decisions.
 
No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured as a result of the exchange of gunfire.  Detectives are confident 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. 
 
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 responded to assist with those involved.
 
Detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and other evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Sergeant Erika Jones at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475.  Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
 
The suspects should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
  
Case Number – IP230009762
Case Number of Earlier Incident -- IP230009615