On Saturday, January 28, 2023, IMPD officers were dispatched on the report of an armed carjacking in the 2400 block of Lafayette Road. Officers responded and confirmed an armed carjacking had occurred. IMPD robbery detectives were informed that an armed black male suspect was involved in the carjacking. Detectives learned the carjacked vehicle was a silver Dodge Charger.
On Sunday, January 29, 2023, IMPD Southeast District officers were patrolling the area of 3600 South Keystone Avenue where officers located the silver Dodge Charger parked improperly in the front parking lot of the Quick Mart gas station. Officers observed the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 19-year-old Wardell Wright, walk toward the doors of the business, but returned to the vehicle after noticing the fully marked patrol vehicle. Officers ran a check of the license plate and learned the vehicle was stolen in an armed carjacking the day prior.
Subsequently, officers attempted to stop the Dodge Challenger where Mr. Wright refused to stop the vehicle, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. After a brief pursuit, Mr. Wright drove off the road crashing into a fence located on the property of the University of Indianapolis. A University of Indianapolis Police officer observed Mr. Wright running on foot. IMPD officers apprehended Mr. Wright with the assistance of the University of Indianapolis Police.
The University of Indianapolis Police officers reviewed camera footage from a camera on the property. Officers observed Mr. Wright with a handgun. Officers searched the apprehension area and located a handgun with a Glock switch installed. Officers retrieved the handgun and Mr. Wright was arrested without further incident.
Detectives gathered information that supported the carjacking was conducted by the suspect that was apprehended.
Anyone with any further information about these incidents should call the IMPD Robbery Office at 317.327.3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS). Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. This release may be updated as more information becomes available. Information given via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
An arrest is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Case: IP23009494
