UPDATE #2 - Following threat assessments related to the officer-involved shooting on Saturday, January 25, 2023, in the 300 block of Poplar Road, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor announces the officers involved as 4-year veteran Officer Donald Fague and 7-year veteran Officer Michael Herrera.
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 -- Stolen Vehicle Investigation Leads to Officer Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 300 Poplar Rd
Detectives arrested 42-year-old George Leachman for his alleged role in this incident. Leachman was arrested for three counts of battery of a law enforcement officer (felony) and resisting law enforcement (felony).
Detectives learned the truck involved was reported stolen from New Haven, Indiana on February 23, 2023. Officers involved in this incident received multiple automated license plate reader (ALPR) notifications earlier in the day about the vehicle being stolen and in the area.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decisions.
An arrest is merely an accusation. The suspect should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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INCIDENT TYPE: Stolen Vehicle Investigation Leads to Officer Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 300 Poplar Rd
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Detective Dustin Keedy,
[email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to
[email protected] *
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, shortly before 5:00 p.m., an IMPD East District officer located a stolen black Ford F250 truck near E 19
th St and Campbell Ave. The stolen vehicle notification to the officer also indicated a gun was inside the truck at the time it was stolen. The officer, in a fully marked police car, attempted to stop the stolen truck at E 19
th St and Campbell Ave. The truck stopped initially, and then backed up and rammed the police car which resulted in the vehicle being disabled (see photo 1). The truck then drove away. The officer received a minor head injury and was transported to an area hospital in good condition.
IMPD officers located the truck a brief time later and again attempted to stop the truck, but it fled, leading the officers in a pursuit. In the 300 block of Poplar Road (near E Michigan St and N Emerson Ave), the truck backed up again and rammed another IMPD car which caused the police car’s airbags to deploy, disabling the car (photo 2). That officer received minor injuries to his legs and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
After striking the second police car, the truck then rammed a third IMPD car, again causing the airbags to deploy (photo 3). This resulted in the car being disabled and the officer receiving a possible broken arm or wrist. The officer was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Two officers discharged their service weapons resulting in the suspect being shot. Officers provided medical attention until medics arrived and was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.
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 uninvolved citizens were injured as a result of the gunfire or the crashes. 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. The officers were treated and released from the hospital.
Detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and other evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Dustin Keedy at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
The suspect should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case Number – IP230018574
